Rights organisations led by Free Tibet, alongside several allied groups, have intensified their campaign against China’s proposed mega-embassy at Royal Mint Court in London, warning that the project poses serious national security risks and heightens threats for already vulnerable exile communities. The UK government is expected to announce its decision on January 20, and campaigners say the scale and strategic placement of the embassy have triggered fresh concerns, according to reporting by Phayul.
If approved, the Royal Mint Court complex would reportedly become China’s largest embassy in Europe, spanning nearly 20,000 square metres—close to ten times the size of a typical diplomatic mission. Activists argue that such a facility goes far beyond normal diplomatic activity and could serve as a hub for espionage 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 proposal outright, citing the property’s proximity to critical communication networks, including undersea cables that underpin UK infrastructure, and referencing MI5 assessments suggesting a substantial national security threat.
These concerns are compounded by a series of recent disclosures regarding Chinese intelligence operations in the UK. Investigations have revealed attempts by individuals linked to Beijing to recruit people with connections to Westminster, offering financial incentives in exchange for sensitive information. Human rights and exile groups representing Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, and other Chinese dissidents argue that the government must consider China’s long-standing record of transnational repression, including harassment, intimidation, and violence against activists abroad. Phayul highlights the widely publicised 2022 incident in Manchester, where a Hong Kong protester was allegedly pulled into the Chinese consulate and assaulted by officials, demonstrating the potential risks posed by overseas operations.
China acquired the Royal Mint Court property in 2018. Tower Hamlets Council initially rejected the embassy plan in 2022 over safety and security concerns, but the same proposal was resubmitted in August 2024, prompting direct consideration by the UK government. Activist groups have maintained frequent demonstrations, describing the proposed complex as a strategic hub rather than a diplomatic office, and plan to stage larger rallies in the days leading up to the January 20 ruling. The coming decision is set to test the UK’s approach to balancing diplomatic relations with Beijing against growing concerns over national security and the safety of vulnerable exile communities.
