China Considers Lifting Sanctions on UK Politicians Expressing Concerns About New Embassy Plans

Some Parliament members are concerned China’s move could be tied to proposals for a new mega embassy in a critical area in London.

Protesters gather with placards at the site of the former Royal Mint in London on Feb. 8, 2025, to demonstrate against a proposal to move China's embassy to this site, a stones-throw from The Tower of London. Henry Nicholls/AFP

China is considering lifting sanctions on British politicians, but some Parliament members are concerned the move could be tied to plans for a new Chinese embassy in London.

Liu Jianchao, a senior Chinese diplomat and head of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) international department, visited the UK from June 8-10 to meet with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.