Explosive Dispute Over Proposed Chinese Embassy in London
Plans for Europe’s largest Chinese embassy at the former Royal Mint Court in London have sparked protests, espionage fears and community opposition.
At the former Royal Mint Court, facing the Tower of London, China seeks to replace its modest 1877 embassy with a sprawling 20,000m² compound. Purchased for £255m in 2018, the site is already patrolled by Chinese security guards and fitted with CCTV cameras.
"I've never been this close," says Carmen Lau, who fled Hong Kong in 2021 as pro-democracy activists faced arrest. She fears China’s "authoritarian regime" could use the new embassy to intimidate dissidents or detain them on British soil.
Background and Location
The Royal Mint Court sits on land layered with history, opposite the 11th-century Tower. Plans include a cultural centre and housing for 200 staff, plus unspecified secure rooms in the basement.
Dissident Concerns
In 2022 a Hong Kong protester was dragged into China’s Manchester consulate and beaten. Carmen, a former district councillor, resigned rather than pledge loyalty under Beijing’s security law. Hong Kong issued arrest warrants accusing her of national security offences and posted a HK$1m bounty.
Espionage Risks
Opponents warn the site’s former Barclays trading floor links and a nearby Thames tunnel carrying fibre optic cables could expose City firms to surveillance. Security experts say cables within half a mile could be tapped undetected.
Community Opposition
Nearby residents, like Mark Nygate, object to demonstrations, security measures and loss of privacy. Despite up to 6,000 protesters—including Hong Kongers, Tibetans and Uighurs—local council concerns were overruled and the government now considers the plan.
Political Reactions
China resubmitted identical plans after Labour took power in August 2024. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed the embassy with President Xi Jinping, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has intervened to decide the fate of the application.
Experts stress the diplomatic dilemma: balancing trade with security and human rights concerns. Some argue a centralised embassy might be easier to monitor than dispersed offices across London.
The proposal for Europe’s largest Chinese embassy at historic Royal Mint Court has raised alarms over possible political harassment, espionage and local security risks.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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