"On Friday, Beijing's foreign affairs ministry said the delay went "entirely against the UK's commitments and previous remarks about improving China-UK relations". Downing Street said it did not "recognise any claims of commitments or assurances", adding that the planning process was independent of ministers. Asked about the latest delay on Friday, Beijing's ministry of foreign affairs accused the UK of "constantly complicating and politicizing the matter"."
"Spokesman Lin Jian said the UK had "repeatedly put off the approval of the project citing various excuses and linked the project with other issues". "That goes entirely against the UK's commitments and previous remarks about improving China-UK relations," he added. "We once again call on the UK to fulfill its obligation and honor its commitments at once, otherwise the consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the UK side"."
"Downing Street hit back at Mr Jian's comments, saying: "We do not recognise any claims of assurances, and I can't explain the statement they've set out." The PM's official spokesman added: "Protecting the UK's national security is our first duty. "In terms of the planning process, as set out yesterday, this is a decision that is independent of the rest of government. "It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment further on cases before MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) ministers.""
China warned the UK of "consequences" after the UK government delayed a decision, again pushing the approval of a proposed Chinese embassy complex at Royal Mint Court to 10 December. Beijing accused the UK of "constantly complicating and politicizing the matter," saying the project had been repeatedly postponed with excuses and linked to other issues. Beijing said the delay contradicted previous UK commitments and called on the UK to honor obligations, warning the UK would bear arising consequences. Downing Street rejected any claims of assurances and emphasized that protecting national security is the government's first duty and that the planning decision is independent of ministers. China bought the site for A3255m in 2018 and the complex would cover 20,000 square metres.
Read at www.bbc.com
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