LONDON: Hundreds protested on Saturday at the site of Beijing’s planned new embassy in London, citing human rights and security concerns.
If approved, the embassy would be Europe’s largest, critics warn it could facilitate the harassment of dissidents.
Protester Iona Boswell, a social worker, argued there was “no need for a mega embassy” and voiced fears it would be used for “harassing dissidents.”
The embassy would replace China’s current location in Marylebone and is set for a historic site near the Tower of London, bought by Beijing in 2018 for $327 million.
Opponents, including Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, warned the embassy would increase espionage and silence critics of the Chinese Communist Party.
“This is about our freedom,” Tugendhat said, referring to past threats from Chinese state agents in the UK.
The protest comes amid growing tensions between the UK and China, especially over Hong Kong’s rights crackdown.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shown interest in improving ties with Beijing, raising concerns that economic growth could outweigh security considerations.
The proposed embassy’s approval now hinges on a public inquiry, with the final decision resting with Communities Secretary Angela Rayner.
The UK joins other nations accusing China of espionage, including cyberattacks on lawmakers and democratic institutions.
China has denied the allegations. – AFP
