Hundreds of Londoners gathered on Saturday to voice concerns over Beijing’s ambitious new “mega” embassy, just days before a crucial decision on the project.
Masked and scarfed protesters waved banners reading “Free Hong Kong. Revolution Now” and chanted “No to Chinese embassy”, showing their opposition to what they see as a potential security risk.
Placards warned: “MI5 warned. Labour kneeled” and “CCP is watching you. Stop the mega embassy”, reflecting deep unease among UK residents and human rights advocates.
China has been seeking to relocate its embassy from Marylebone, one of London’s upscale districts, to a sprawling historic site near the Tower of London. The plan has faced persistent opposition from local residents, rights groups, and critics of China’s ruling Communist Party.
Human rights concerns
Benedict Rogers, head of Hong Kong Watch, said the embassy could easily be used for espionage if approved. “It’s highly likely this site will serve intelligence operations,” he warned, citing the proximity of sensitive underground communications cables. Rogers added that China’s “campaign of transnational repression” against diaspora communities could intensify as a result.
A protester named Brandon, 23, originally from Hong Kong, shared his worries about the embassy becoming an “operations base” for Beijing. “Many of us moved to the UK to escape authoritarian rule. Now it feels like that reach could follow us here,” he said.
Another demonstrator, a 60-year-old warehouse worker also from Hong Kong, warned that the embassy might not only monitor the UK but potentially all of Europe, calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reconsider the plan.
Political voices join the protest
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch spoke out alongside campaigners, amplifying the calls to halt construction. Concerns escalated after reports in The Daily Telegraph revealed plans for 208 secret rooms, including a “hidden chamber,” underneath the embassy — directly alongside underground communications cables.
Protesters, MPs, and human rights organizations are now urging the UK government to carefully consider the potential national security risks before granting approval for the embassy’s construction.
This protest in London underscores broader worries about global espionage, the safety of diaspora communities, and the delicate balance between diplomacy and security.
