Richard Sanders, London
On March 15, 2025, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the site earmarked for China’s controversial new embassy at the Royal Mint in London, expressing their opposition over human rights abuses and security concerns associated with the project.
If approved by the U.K. government, the new embassy would be the largest Chinese embassy in Europe, according to lawmakers. Protester Martin Watson, a 36-year-old office worker, voiced his concerns, stating that there is “no need for a mega embassy here” and asserting the potential for it to facilitate the “further harassment of dissidents.”
China has long sought to move its embassy from its current location in Marylebone to the historic site near the Tower of London, which has drawn significant backlash from local residents, human rights activists, and critics of the Chinese government.
The Royal Mint site, a historic venue that has housed the official maker of British coins for nearly two centuries, was previously home to a 14th-century Cistercian abbey but is now derelict. China purchased the property for approximately $327 million in 2018.
Another protester, who identified himself only as “Dave,” a member of “Hongkongers in Manchester,” emphasized the potential dangers of the embassy, claiming it could serve as a headquarters for the Chinese government to target U.K.-based Hong Kong activists.
The protest took place as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to foster improved relations with Beijing after years of diplomatic tension, particularly over China’s actions in Hong Kong. In a notable shift, Starmer became the first U.K. prime minister in several years to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during discussions at the G20 summit in Brazil last November.
The project is now subject to a public inquiry led by a national planning inspector, with Communities Secretary Angela Rayner set to make the final decision. Opponents remain concerned that the government’s focus on economic growth and better ties with China may overshadow human rights considerations.
We will be doing follow up interviews with activists who took part in the protest and monitoring the situation closely, the proposed embassy should be scrutinized very carefully by government and the big question is- why does China need such a massive presence in the centre of London?
