Thousands gathered in London on Saturday to protest China’s proposed “mega-embassy” project. Demonstrators condemned China’s human rights abuses and warned the embassy could become a hub for surveillance against dissidents living abroad.
China already has an embassy in London but purchased the historic Royal Mint Court in 2018 for over $330 million. The site, originally a 14th-century Catholic abbey, later became the primary location for the British Royal Mint from 1810 to 1975. The Chinese government aims to convert the property into its largest embassy worldwide, including residential quarters for approximately 225 staffers.
The proposal has faced strong opposition from local residents and critics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The first two renovation plans were rejected in 2022 and 2024, but the British national government intervened to keep the project alive. Reports indicate that the UK government wants to maintain diplomatic ties with China and hopes to build its own grand embassy in Beijing.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has expressed frustration over the delays. In a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July, he reportedly pressured the British government to expedite approval. Chinese officials have also allegedly attempted to influence decision-makers by sending gifts to district council members and encouraging British businesses with interests in China to lobby on behalf of the project.
By early 2025, nearly all official objections to the embassy had been removed, except for security concerns over British government telecommunications cables running beneath the site and the presence of ancient remains from the abbey era. However, concerns over human rights and privacy violations remain unresolved, fueling ongoing protests.
Saturday’s demonstration attracted approximately 6,000 attendees. Protesters held signs reading, “No to China’s New Mega Embassy Spy Base in London” and “China Cannot Be Trusted.” Many activists fear the embassy will enable the CCP to intimidate and spy on dissidents and persecuted minorities. Winnie-the-Pooh imagery was prominently featured on protest materials, referencing Chinese censorship of the character due to memes mocking Xi Jinping.
Chloe Cheung of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation spoke at the rally, warning that the embassy represents an extension of CCP control. “This is not just a building; this is an extension of the Chinese Communist Party’s power in the UK,” she stated. Many demonstrators, including members of Uyghur and Tibetan communities, shared concerns about the embassy’s potential for surveillance and suppression of free speech.
Opposition to the embassy is expected to continue, with critics highlighting security risks, human rights abuses, and the possibility of ongoing mass protests disrupting the area. The fate of the project remains uncertain as activists push back against China’s growing influence in the UK.
