UK govt approves China's largest embassy in Europe

London {UK], January 22: China has been given permission to build a vast new embassy in the heart of London despite criticism from lawmakers and campaigners that it will be used as a base for spying and security crackdowns.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed approved the plans for the building near the Tower of London. The decision removes a diplomatic hurdle in the relationship with Xi Jinping's government, clearing the way for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to make a widely-expected visit to China - possibly within weeks. But critics of the scheme plan to challenge the decision in the courts, with local residents raising money to launch a judicial review against the project.
Source: Qatar Tribune