[1] The UK recognized the People's Republic of China in 1950, although the PRC did not agree to the exchange of ambassadors until 1972.

Prior to this, the United Kingdom had sent ministers to the Qing Empire and variously ministers and ambassadors to the Republic of China.

The Embassy offices have been located in Peking (Beijing), Nanking (Nanjing), or both.

1792–1794: George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney 1815-1817: William Pitt Amherst, 1st Earl Amherst The United Kingdom recognized Communist China in January 1950 and posted a chargé d'affaires in the new capital of Beijing.

However, China was unwilling to exchange ambassadors until the British consulate in Taipei was withdrawn in 1972.