The UK government is considering approving a Chinese mega embassy in London, which could consolidate seven existing sites and offer security advantages, despite concerns over espionage and national security risks. The decision has been delayed multiple times, with the final approval expected in January, amid ongoing security and diplomatic discussions.
The decision on China's proposed 'mega' embassy in London has been delayed again due to security concerns and scrutiny over Chinese espionage allegations, with officials postponing the decision until January 20 to further review security implications.
The UK's approach to China is facing increased challenges and scrutiny following the collapse of a high-profile espionage trial, internal political disagreements, and diplomatic tensions over a new Chinese embassy in London, complicating efforts to balance economic cooperation with security concerns.
India has reopened its embassy in Kabul, marking its first high-level diplomatic engagement with the Taliban since their 2021 takeover, aiming to strengthen regional stability and cooperation despite ongoing concerns over women's rights and international sanctions.
The UK has delayed its decision on China's plans to build a large embassy in London until October, after Beijing refused to fully disclose details of the plans, citing national security concerns. The project has faced opposition and scrutiny over potential spying risks, with critics demanding more transparency. The Chinese embassy expressed disappointment, urging the UK to approve the plans promptly.
The U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of nonessential staff from its Baghdad embassy due to increased security risks amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with military dependents also authorized to leave the region, reflecting heightened concerns over regional stability.
The Iranian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has denied any involvement in the murder of a rabbi, rejecting allegations linking Iran to the incident. The embassy's statement comes amid heightened tensions and accusations in the region, emphasizing Iran's stance against such claims.
A gunman was killed and three policemen were injured following a shooting near the Israeli embassy in Amman, Jordan. The incident led to a police cordon and a call for residents to stay indoors as security forces searched for additional suspects. The area around the embassy is known for frequent protests against Israel, often related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This event follows previous violent clashes in the city, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Armed and hooded Venezuelan security forces have surrounded the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six opposition members are taking refuge amid a crackdown by authorities ahead of the presidential elections. Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, recognized by the US as the election winner, warned of the siege on social media. This incident follows similar actions by Venezuelan forces in September. CNN is awaiting comments from Venezuelan authorities.
A gunman was killed and three police officers were injured in a shooting incident near the Israeli embassy in Jordan. This event is part of ongoing regional tensions, with recent reports of violence including Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and rocket launches from Gaza. The situation remains volatile as international scrutiny continues over actions by Israeli and Palestinian groups.
An explosion near the Iranian embassy in Damascus' al-Maza neighborhood resulted in one death, with the victim reportedly being close to Iran. This incident follows a previous attack on the same embassy last month, attributed to Israel, which killed senior IRGC members and led to retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel. Syrian media has not yet identified the responsible party for the latest explosion.
After a deadly Israeli airstrike near the Iranian embassy in Syria, an Iranian official warned that no Israeli embassies are safe anymore, prompting both Israel and the U.S. to prepare for potential escalation by Iran. While Israel hasn't officially claimed responsibility, the U.S. assessment points to their involvement. The Biden administration has assured Iran that the U.S. was not involved, but expects imminent retaliation against Israel, not U.S. forces.
Ecuador sparked a diplomatic crisis after its police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest an opposition figure, prompting Mexico to denounce the violation of international law and demand respect for diplomatic premises. The incident has strained relations between the two countries, with Mexico warning of potential consequences and Ecuador expressing regret over the situation.
Mexico breaks off diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police forcibly entered the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas, who had sought asylum there. The raid prompted Mexico's President to announce the break of diplomatic relations, calling it an "authoritarian act" and a violation of international law. Ecuador defended its actions, stating that it would not allow any criminal to stay free. Mexico plans to take the case to the International Court of Justice, while tensions between the two countries escalated further after Mexico's president made statements about last year's election, leading to Ecuador declaring the Mexican ambassador persona non grata.
Mexico severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police stormed its embassy in Quito and detained former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, leading to injuries to Mexican embassy personnel and a "flagrant violation" of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.