Will the UK government approve the proposed Chinese embassy at the Royal Mint before 2026?

Resolution criteria This market will resolve to "Yes" if the UK government, specifically the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (or their successor), formally approves the planning application for the Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court before January 1, 2026. The approval must be publicly announced and verifiable through official UK government sources, such as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities planning decisions portal, or reputable national news outlets. Otherwise, this market will resolve to "No". Background China's proposed "super embassy" at Royal Mint Court in London is a £750 million project envisioned to be one of Europe's largest diplomatic missions. The Chinese government acquired the Royal Mint Court site in 2018. An initial planning application was rejected by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022. A resubmitted application was subsequently "called in" by the central UK government, transferring the final decision-making authority to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The decision has faced multiple delays, with the latest deadline set for December 10, 2025, though this date is not legally binding. Considerations A primary consideration for traders is the significant national security concerns surrounding the proposed site. Experts have highlighted the presence of critical fibre-optic cables beneath Royal Mint Court, raising fears that diplomatic immunity could enable potential intelligence gathering. The diplomatic status of the embassy compound would also restrict the ability of UK authorities to conduct inspections. The decision is a point of contention in UK-China relations, with China reportedly issuing warnings of "consequences" should the application be denied. Resolution source: https://manifold.markets/JoshuaWilkes/will-the-uk-government-approve-the