A UK court dismissed a legal challenge against a new Chinese embassy in London. The ruling lets construction move forward.

Two judges ruled remotely on Friday to dismiss the claims. They said the housing minister and Tower Hamlets council acted lawfully.

The council had granted planning permission in January. The Royal Mint Court Residents' Association brought the case.

It named the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government as defendant. The group argued the embassy poses a security threat.

Locals wanted to block the project. They feared it could be used to target Chinese dissidents.

They also raised concerns about fire risk. The group said diplomatic immunity would stop UK leaders from enforcing safety rules.

The judges found the government had properly reviewed national security concerns. They also said it considered the safety of nearby residents.

The embassy is set to be built near the Tower of London. It could become the largest embassy in the UK. Residents have vowed to keep fighting the project.