China's Mega Embassy in London: Decision Delayed

The UK government has once again delayed its decision on China's application to build a new super-embassy in London. The ruling, which was expected by October 21, has been pushed back to December 10. This marks the second postponement of the decision.

The proposed embassy site, located at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, has sparked concerns among officials and security experts. If approved, it would become the largest embassy in Europe, covering an area of 20,000 square meters.

One of the main issues raised is the potential security risk. The site's proximity to important fiber optic cables used by financial institutions in the City of London has led to worries about possible espionage activities.

The Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, has requested additional time to review the application. The government cites the need for a thorough examination of the responses received so far and is awaiting input from the Foreign Office and Home Office before making a final decision.

This delay reflects the complex nature of the decision-making process and the significant implications it may have for UK-China relations and national security.