Question: It is reported that the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has decided to further postpone the decision on the planning application for the new Chinese Embassy from 21 October to 10 December. What is China’s comment? 

Embassy Spokesperson: We strongly deplore the UK’s repeated postponement of the approval deadline for the new Chinese Embassy project. 

The development scheme of the new Chinese Embassy is of high quality and has been highly recognised by local professional bodies. The application complies with diplomatic practice and local regulations and procedures. The UK’s repeated delay in approving the application is groundless and unjustifiable. 

It is an international obligation of the host country to provide support and facilitation for the construction of diplomatic premises. Both China and the UK have plans to build new embassies in each other’s capitals, and both sides should facilitate each other’s efforts. We once again urge the UK to demonstrate sincerity in resolving the issue and approve China’s planning application at an early date.