Mass Protest Against China's New Embassy in London Over Human Rights and Security Concerns

Mass Protest Against China's New Embassy in London Over Human Rights and Security Concerns

London: On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest against the establishment of China’s new embassy in the historic area near the Tower of London. The protest was driven by concerns over human rights and security, with the new embassy, if approved by the UK government, expected to become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe.

Protester Iona Boswell, a 40-year-old social worker, told AFP, "There is no need for such a large embassy here," and she believed it would be used to harass political dissidents.

For several years, China has sought to relocate its current embassy, located in the upscale Marylebone district of London, to a sprawling historic site near the Tower of London. The site, which is currently derelict, was previously home to the Royal Mint, the official British coin maker, for nearly two centuries.

Beijing bought the site in 2018 for a reported $327 million. However, the plan has sparked strong opposition from local residents, human rights groups, and critics of China’s ruling Communist Party.

Conservative Party lawmaker Tom Tugendhat, who joined the protest, told AFP, "This is about the future of our freedom, not just the site of a Chinese embassy," adding that people in the UK have "sadly often been threatened by Chinese state agents."

Another protester, who went by the name "Zero" and was a member of the "Hongkongers in Leeds" group, said, "It will be a headquarters for China to catch Hong Kong people in the UK and send them back to China."

Protesters fear that the creation of this massive embassy will enable China to take more repressive actions against its political opponents.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, elected last July, is seeking more engagement with China, especially after deteriorating relations over Hong Kong's human rights situation.

Now, a national planning inspector will conduct a public inquiry into the scheme, but the final decision will rest with Communities Secretary Angela Rayner.