Local residents argue that officials failed to take into account the risk that the new embassy could curtail protests or be used to monitor and intimidate Chinese dissidents.
Police officers stand outside the proposed site of a new Chinese mega embassy at Royal Mint Court, in London, on Jan 17, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Isabel Infantes)
14 Jul 2026 07:42PM
(Updated: 14 Jul 2026 07:49PM)
LONDON: Britain's approval for China to build a vast embassy in London was challenged in court on Tuesday (Jul 14), as a group of local residents argue that officials failed to consider the impact on protests and potential targeting of dissidents.China's plans to build an embassy on the site of the two-century-old Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London were approved in January, shortly before Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China, the first visit by a British leader since 2018.The decision was taken with a view to improving ties with Beijing despite British and US politicians warning that it could be used as a base for spying. Britain's intelligence agencies said any threat could be mitigated.Local residents argue that officials failed to take into account the risk that the new embassy could curtail protests or be used to monitor and intimidate Chinese dissidents.
