The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is planning to construct the largest “super embassy” in Europe at the historic Royal Mint Court in London, which has sparked ongoing protests among local residents due to its sensitive geographical location and potential security risks.
The building is located adjacent to the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, originally the site of the British Royal Mint. The CCP acquired the land for around $312 million in 2018 with plans to redevelop it into an embassy and diplomatic staff housing. If realized, this would become the largest diplomatic institution for the CCP in Europe.
However, the project has been controversial from the outset. In 2022, the Tower Hamlets local council rejected the application citing security reasons. Subsequently, the Chinese side resubmitted the proposal after the Labour Party came into power, hoping for a more receptive attitude from the new government. According to reports from British media, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to make a final decision by September 9.
Over the years, residents around the Royal Mint Court have formed a homeowners’ association to oppose the project. They are concerned that once the CCP becomes the property owner, they may use it for surveillance or to restrict residents’ freedoms.
Mark Nygate, the financial manager of the Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association who lives on Cartwright Street, expressed his worries to CNN. He fears that with the embassy’s balcony just a wall away from residential homes, simply taking a photo could be seen as spying. He stated, “They have the land, and with that comes some rights to inspect our properties.”
Another insurance professional, Barry, mentioned that he has not heard anyone speak positively about the project. His office faces the construction site, with approximately 2,000 employees in the building, who generally oppose the plan.
Additionally, the London police have warned that once the “super embassy” is established, large-scale protests may occur frequently, leading to increased traffic and security risks.
Residents interviewed by CNN also pointed out that the embassy’s proximity to Tower Bridge poses a security risk to the landmark. Human rights groups and protesters are concerned that the embassy could serve as a base for Beijing to monitor and pressure overseas dissidents. CCP embassies in multiple countries have been accused of operating as “overseas police stations,” with incidents such as the violence against Hong Kong protesters dragged into consulates in Manchester drawing widespread attention.
The protests in London include both long-term local residents and new immigrants from Hong Kong. They urge the government to reject the approval of the project to prevent the community from becoming a “grey zone” under CCP control.
According to CNN reports, the UK government has requested an explanation from China as to why certain parts of the blueprint were “blacked out,” setting a deadline for August 20. This move also reflects the authorities’ concerns regarding transparency and security issues.