China’s global track record of transnational repression is well documented. From surveilling dissidents abroad to intimidating their families back home, the CCP has long used its embassies as operational bases for silencing critics. This embassy would be no exception. Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Taiwanese, and pro-democracy activists in the UK have already faced threats from Chinese authorities. Allowing China to establish a sprawling intelligence hub in London would embolden its efforts to monitor, harass, and suppress those seeking freedom and justice.
On February 8th, a coalition of persecuted communities and human rights defenders will gather outside the Royal Mint Court in London to protest China’s proposed ‘super-embassy.’ This massive diplomatic compound – covering nearly 700,000 square feet – is not just an embassy but a strategic outpost for Beijing’s authoritarian influence in the heart of the UK. The Labour government must heed the voices of those who have directly suffered under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and take a decisive stand against this alarming project.
Prominent human rights advocates and MPs, including former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, Labour MP Blair McDougall, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, and Benedict Rogers – co-founder of Hong Kong Watch and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission – are expected to address the rally, which is anticipated to draw several thousand attendees.
A Plan Rejected by Local Authorities and Residents
When China purchased the historic Royal Mint Court site in 2018, its intention was clear: to build its largest embassy in Europe. However, in 2022, the Tower Hamlets Council unanimously rejected the proposal, citing security risks and strong opposition from local residents. In addition to security concerns raised by the secret services, the Metropolitan Police also highlighted concerns over the site’s lack of space for safe public demonstrations. Yet, despite these warnings, the Labour government under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signalled its willingness to push the project forward, disregarding the valid objections of local residents, elected officials, and human rights advocates.
On 14th January 2025, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote to the Planning Inspectorate, backing the embassy plans. Soon after, it emerged that the Tower Hamlets Council had also changed its position, aligning with the Labour government’s pro-Beijing stance. This disturbing reversal raises serious questions: Why has local opposition been overridden? What changed within the Metropolitan Police to cause them to withdraw their objections? Most importantly, why is the UK government ignoring the voices of those who have suffered at the hands of the CCP?
A Direct Intervention by Xi Jinping
This development is not just about local planning; it is about the UK’s sovereignty and democratic values. In August 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping personally raised the embassy issue with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a phone call, applying direct political pressure. Shortly after, the British government called in the planning application, effectively undermining the Tower Hamlets Council’s original decision to reject it. This move mirrors the centralised authoritarianism seen in China, where local voices and democratic institutions are routinely overruled by the state. The Labour government’s kowtowing to dictator Xi Jinping sets a dangerous precedent, weakening UK democracy and paving the way for future authoritarian encroachments.
A Hub for Transnational Repression
China’s global track record of transnational repression is well documented. From surveilling dissidents abroad to intimidating their families back home, the CCP has long used its embassies as operational bases for silencing critics. This embassy would be no exception. Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Taiwanese, and pro-democracy activists in the UK have already faced threats from Chinese authorities. Allowing China to establish a sprawling intelligence hub in London would embolden its efforts to monitor, harass, and suppress those seeking freedom and justice.
Recent events have made the dangers of China’s influence even clearer. Beijing has assisted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by supplying military equipment and helping Moscow evade sanctions. It has signed a security agreement with Hungary, allowing Chinese police to operate freely in a European capital. Hong Kong authorities have placed bounties on overseas activists and harassed their families. If the UK allows this embassy to be built, it would signal weakness in the face of rising authoritarianism and compromise national security.
The Need for Collective Resistance
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), along with 27 human rights organisations, has taken decisive action to oppose this project. In November 2024, the GATPM submitted an urgent petition to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and other key government officials, calling for the rejection of China’s ‘super-embassy’ plans on the grounds of human rights and public safety. Just last month, a coalition of Hongkongers delivered a letter to Angela Rayner’s office in Manchester, yet the government remains unresponsive. It is clear that we must make our voices louder.
That is why we are taking to the streets on February 8th. This protest is not just about opposing a building – it is about defending democracy, free speech, and the right of all people to live without fear of persecution. We call on every supporter of human rights and British sovereignty to stand with us.
Join Us in Defending Democracy
The decision on this embassy’s fate is imminent. If we do not act now, Britain risks becoming a safe haven for authoritarian influence. We urge all those who believe in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to join us in protest:
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Royal Mint Court, Tower Hamlets, London EC3N 4QN
We must not let Beijing’s authoritarian grip extend further into British society. This protest is a moment for unity, for resistance, and for making clear that the UK will not bow to intimidation. The voices of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Taiwanese, mainland Chinese dissidents and all persecuted communities must be heard – and they must not be silenced by political convenience.
Our message to the UK government is simple: Say NO to China’s ‘super-embassy.’ Stand up for democracy. Stand up for human rights. Stand up for Britain’s sovereignty.
Together, we can make a difference. See you on February 8th.
Tsering Passang, founder and chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, is based in London (UK). Visit Tsering’s blog: www.Tsamtruk.com
Jay Ng, a human rights advocate and business consultant from Hong Kong, is the founder of Freedom Card.
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 
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