The U.K. government decision to approve the embassy is likely to spark a backlash from China hawks in the U.K. parliament, including from MPs in Keir Starmer's ruling Labour Party.Tolga Akmen/EPA

UK approves controversial Chinese super-embassy – POLITICO

· POLITICO

LONDON — The U.K. government on Tuesday approved China's plan to build a super-embassy in the heart of London.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed has given the go-ahead to the 20,000 square meter complex near the Tower of London — despite opposition from some U.K. lawmakers, including in the ruling Labour Party.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit China later this month as the U.K. government seeks to boost economic and diplomatic ties with the country. It will be the first visit by a British prime minister since 2018.