The British government has given approval for China to build its largest embassy in Europe in London.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed formally approved plans for the building on the site of the two-century-old Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, after a series of delays and legal challenges.

"All material considerations were taken into account when making this decision," the government said in a statement.

"The decision is now final unless it is successfully challenged in court."

The decision was announced before an expected visit to China by Prime Minister Keir Starmer this month, the first by a British leader since 2018.

Starmer has stressed that while protecting national security is non-negotiable, Britain needs to keep up diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with China.

Beijing has complained about the seven-year delay in approving the project, saying London was “constantly complicating and politicising the matter.”

The new embassy would be one of the largest diplomatic outposts in the world with a footprint of about 55,000 square metres, according to the planning application. (Agencies)