Hundreds Demonstrate Against China’s Large Embassy in London

Protests Erupt in London Over Proposed Chinese Embassy

Hundreds gathered in London on Saturday to protest against the Chinese government’s plan for a new, large embassy, just days before a crucial decision on the proposal.

The demonstrators, many with their faces obscured by scarves and masks, shouted slogans like “No to the Chinese embassy” while waving flags that declared “Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution now.”

Some carried signs with messages such as “MI5 has warned. Labor is on its knees,” referencing the UK’s domestic intelligence agency and the Prime Minister’s ruling party.

One sign read, “The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is watching you. Stop running giant embassies.”

China has sought to relocate its embassy from the upscale Marylebone area to a significant historical site near the Tower of London. This proposal has aroused substantial opposition from local residents, human rights organizations, and critics of the Chinese Communist Party.

The protests came in anticipation of a decision expected this week.

Benedict Rogers, who leads the human rights organization Hong Kong Watch, expressed concerns that the location could potentially facilitate espionage, citing nearby sensitive underground communications cables.

He noted that China is already involved in “cross-border repression campaigns against various diaspora communities and other critics,” suggesting that such activities may escalate further.

Concerns Raised by Protesters

One participant, who wished to remain anonymous and identified as Brandon, indicated that the proposal generated “a lot of concerns.” The 23-year-old banker, a Hong Kong native now residing near Manchester, mentioned that many fleeing to Britain to escape China’s authoritarianism were now confronted with the possibility of a Chinese embassy serving as a “base of operations.”

“I don’t think it’s good for anyone except the Chinese government,” he remarked.

Another protester, also from Hong Kong, urged Prime Minister Starmer to reconsider the plan, claiming it poses a significant risk not only to Hong Kong residents but to Britain’s national security as well.

The 60-year-old warehouse worker highlighted fears that the embassy could turn into a “spy center monitoring not just Britain but all of Europe.”

Notable speakers at the rally included Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, who expressed full support for blocking the embassy.

Concerns about security were raised when British MPs reported that the planned site reportedly contains 208 secret rooms, including “hidden rooms.” A leading newspaper obtained detailed plans for a new construction on the site of the former Royal Mint.