How China's plans for a new London embassy became a seven-year standoff

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"The new embassy would replace China's main diplomatic premises in Portland Place in the Marylebone district of central London. This has been the site of China's embassy since 1877 when it was opened as the country's first permanent overseas diplomatic mission. Chinese diplomats say they need a new embassy because the current space is too small and they use several buildings across London to host the work of officials who work on science, defence, culture and visa services."

The Independent covers topics from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, investigating funding such as Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and producing documentaries like 'The A Word' about American women fighting for reproductive rights. The outlet solicits donations to fund on-the-ground reporting, keeps reporting free of paywalls, and relies on supporters to sustain journalists who interview both sides. Britain approved construction of a new Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court after seven years of planning disputes and a diplomatic standoff. China purchased the site for about £250 million and plans to replace its Portland Place premises because current facilities are too small and services are dispersed across several London buildings.

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