UK at a Crossroads Reject Chinas Mega Embassy to Protect Security and Freedom
By Tibet Rights Collective
Tibet support groups in the United Kingdom have renewed their strong call on the British government to reject Chinas proposal to build a massive new embassy in London warning that the project poses grave risks to national security and to the safety of vulnerable exile communities. The decision is expected on January 20 and campaigners say the stakes could not be higher.
Free Tibet a London based Tibet rights organisation together with allied human rights groups has been leading sustained protests and advocacy efforts against the proposed mega embassy at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London. According to the group if approved the complex would become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe covering nearly twenty thousand square metres and dwarfing standard diplomatic missions in size and capacity.
Campaigners argue that the extraordinary scale of the facility and its highly sensitive location raise serious concerns that go far beyond normal diplomatic practice. The site is located close to critical communications infrastructure including undersea cables which are vital to Britains national security. These risks have reportedly been highlighted by MI5 which has warned that the project could significantly endanger UK national security.
In an open letter addressed to Housing Secretary Steve Reed UK based Tibetans and Tibet support groups representing tens of thousands of supporters urged the government to reject the proposal. The letter stresses that the embassy must be assessed not only through a security lens but also in light of Chinas extensive record of human rights abuses and transnational repression.
These concerns come at a time when revelations about Chinese intelligence activities in Britain have caused growing alarm. Reports have emerged of attempts by individuals linked to Beijing to recruit people with access to Westminster offering large sums of money in exchange for sensitive information. For many campaigners the proposed mega embassy would only deepen these risks.
Tibetan groups have also highlighted Chinas documented pattern of intimidation surveillance and harassment of dissidents beyond its borders. Exile communities in the UK including Tibetans Uyghurs Hongkongers and Chinese democracy activists have repeatedly spoken about living under constant pressure and monitoring. One of the most alarming incidents cited is the 2022 assault on a Hong Kong protester who was dragged into the Chinese consulate in Manchester and beaten by officials an attack that was captured on video. Reports of bounties placed on UK based Hongkongers have further intensified fear among these communities.
By allowing China to establish what campaigners describe as a superbase in London the UK government would be putting citizens residents and vulnerable communities at greater risk the letter warns. Such a move would represent a serious failure of the governments responsibility to protect people living in Britain and to uphold democratic values and human rights.
China purchased the Royal Mint Court site in 2018 with the intention of consolidating its diplomatic operations in London. In December 2022 Tower Hamlets Council rejected the proposal citing safety security and protest related concerns. Beijing resubmitted the same application in August 2024 after which the UK government took over decision making authority.
Since then protests have continued outside the site organised by Free Tibet alongside Uyghur Hong Kong and Chinese democracy groups. Activists argue that the proposed embassy should be seen not as a routine diplomatic mission but as a strategic outpost with far reaching implications.
As the January 20 decision approaches large demonstrations are expected to continue with campaigners urging Members of Parliament to raise the issue in Parliament and the public to stand in solidarity with affected communities.
This is a defining moment for the UK government Tibet groups have said calling for clear leadership and an absolute rejection of the proposal. Anything less they warn would undermine public trust weaken national security and signal a dangerous tolerance for repression beyond Chinas borders.