The Embassy building Photo: Chinese Embassy in the UK

In 2018, the Chinese government acquired the Royal Mint Court site in London for the construction of its new embassy, with official approval granted by the UK government.

Yet, despite the time that has passed, the planning application process remains ongoing.

The proposed embassy, fully incorporating UK planning policies and guidance while absorbing input from all relevant stakeholders, will revitalize the Royal Mint Court site, enhance its landscape, and create public realm space at ground level.

Many believe the project will contribute to the cosmopolitan character of Tower Hamlets, as the establishment of the Chinese Embassy will be the first of its kind in the borough. This presence is expected to serve as a catalyst for deeper exchanges and cooperation between Tower Hamlets and the international community, significantly raising its visibility both in China and worldwide.

Boosting local tourism and economy

The tourism sector in Tower Hamlets is set to benefit considerably. Before the pandemic, over 800,000 Chinese tourists visited the UK annually. The embassy's presence is likely to attract even more Chinese visitors, generating increased tourism revenue. Sectors such as cultural heritage, attractions, hospitality, and catering will enjoy direct benefits.

Beyond tourism, the wider local economy is also poised to gain from increased investment and job creation. China-UK bilateral trade has consistently exceeded £110 billion in recent years, with two-way investment stocks surpassing £130 billion. 

According to the Grant Thornton 2023 Tou Ying Tracker, there are more than 30,000 registered Chinese entities in the UK, with the top 970 alone having created over 59,000 jobs. The embassy's arrival is expected to attract more Chinese and international companies to Tower Hamlets, spurring industrial growth and creating new employment opportunities.

Enhancing cultural exchange

Tower Hamlets' already vibrant cultural scene will be further enriched through enhanced people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Both China and the UK possess time-honored cultural traditions, and Tower Hamlets - home to London's earliest Chinese community - shares deep historical ties with Chinese immigrants. The new embassy will facilitate more frequent exchanges with local cultural institutions, including performances by art troupes and the hosting of cultural festivals. This is expected to strengthen cultural cooperation between regions of both countries and support the development of London's local arts and culture.

Preserving local heritage

The project also gives due consideration to the preservation of heritage sites, which are highly valued by local communities.

Tower Hamlets takes pride in its rich historical and cultural legacy, and the development plan aims to protect and promote this heritage. Plans include a Heritage Interpretation Centre and viewing windows for archaeological ruins, helping to conserve historic buildings and underground remains while enabling meaningful public engagement with the site's history. As reported by local media, planning officers recognize that the proposal helps conserve and safeguard the outstanding universal value of this world heritage site.

The new Chinese embassy in Tower Hamlets will become a platform unlocking numerous opportunities for China-UK cooperation and cultural exchange. Moving forward with this project clearly serves the interests of both the UK and the borough of Tower Hamlets.

The author is an international affairs observer. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn