Exile Communities at Risk Tibet Groups Flag Espionage Risks in Chinas London Mega Embassy Proposal
Tibet Rights Collective notes that rights groups led by Free Tibet have intensified opposition to Chinas proposed mega embassy at Londons Royal Mint Court, citing serious national security risks and potential threats to Tibetan exile communities.
Along with several allied organisations, Free Tibet has renewed its campaign against the proposed embassy, arguing that the project poses significant national security concerns and heightens risks for already vulnerable exile communities.
The UK government is expected to announce its decision on January 20. Campaigners have stated that the scale of the plan goes far beyond normal diplomatic activity and has triggered fresh alarms according to reports by Phayul.
If approved, the Royal Mint Court complex would reportedly become Chinas largest embassy in Europe, covering nearly 20000 square metres, almost ten times the size of a typical diplomatic mission.
Activists have highlighted that the size and strategic location of the facility raise serious concerns regarding espionage potential and covert intelligence operations. In an open letter to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, UK based Tibetans and Tibet support groups urged the government to reject the plan entirely.
The letter warns that the embassy would be located close to vital communication networks, including undersea cables critical to UK infrastructure. It also references assessments by MI5 suggesting that the site could pose a substantial risk to national security if approved.
These concerns come amid a series of recent disclosures regarding Chinese intelligence activities in the UK. Investigators have uncovered attempts by individuals linked to Beijing to recruit people with connections to Westminster by offering financial incentives in exchange for sensitive information.
Tibetan Uyghur Hong Kong and Chinese dissident groups have emphasized that any evaluation of the proposal must take into account Chinas long standing record of transnational repression.
They cite cases of harassment intimidation and violence against activists abroad, including the widely reported 2022 incident in Manchester where a Hong Kong protester was pulled into the Chinese consulate and assaulted by officials as highlighted by Phayul.
China purchased the Royal Mint Court property in 2018. Tower Hamlets Council rejected the embassy plan in 2022 over safety and security concerns. However China resubmitted the same proposal in August 2024 prompting the UK government to assume responsibility for the decision.
Activist groups have since organised frequent demonstrations describing the proposed complex as a strategic hub rather than a diplomatic office. Larger rallies are planned ahead of the January 20 ruling according to Phayul.
Inputs were also drawn from ANI reports.