(Nov 6): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper their countries should strengthen strategic communication to stabilise ties amid rising global tensions, warning that their bilateral relations may risk backsliding.
It’s natural for Beijing and London to have differences and China’s top diplomat called for mutual respect and a clear-headed approach in handling “occasional noise and disruptions” to maintain overall stability in their relationship, according to Chinese government readout of their phone call on Thursday.
Wang’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing diplomatic tensions over a planned new Chinese embassy in central London and allegations of Chinese espionage.
China has applied to build what promises to be the largest diplomatic premises in Europe on the site of the former Royal Mint, near the Tower of London. Permission for the compound was rejected by the local authority in 2022 before the national government took over planning responsibility. Beijing slammed a fresh delay to the UK's decision and warned of unspecified “consequences” if the building isn’t given the go-ahead.
However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted he wouldn’t be cowed by pressure to approve the controversial new mega-embassy, hitting back at recent threats from Beijing which cast doubt on the UK’s attempts to improve ties.
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