(MENAFN) Plans for China's highly anticipated “super embassy” in London have encountered delays as UK authorities demanded further explanation regarding “greyed-out sections” in the design proposal.

According to a news outlet, Beijing declined to provide additional clarification, prompting a pause in the approval process. China has strongly criticized the move.

Described by British media as a “super embassy,” the proposed complex would be the most expansive Chinese diplomatic facility in Europe.

However, the initiative has repeatedly run into regulatory hurdles since the original application was submitted by Beijing in 2022.

On Saturday, a representative of the Chinese embassy in the UK expressed “serious concern” over the UK government's recent decision to delay the project.

The spokesperson claimed that China had adhered to all “customary diplomatic practices” and followed the proper protocols throughout the application.

They also stated that Beijing had delivered detailed responses to the inquiries raised by British officials.

“It is an international obligation of the host country to provide support and facilitation for the construction of diplomatic premises,” the representative said, pointing out that the UK is also in the process of developing a new facility for its embassy in Beijing.

On Friday, the news outlet revealed that Chinese authorities had refused to “identify… the rationale and justification” for the “greyed out” areas of the site plan—specifically the Cultural Exchange Building and Embassy House—despite formal requests made by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner.

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