London: Hong Kong rights groups, along with several Tibetans, Uyghurs, and local residents, gathered at the historic former Royal Mint Court in London to protest China’s plan for a “mega-embassy.”
They expressed concerns that Beijing might use the facility to intimidate and surveil dissidents living overseas, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.
This marks the second mega protest in five weeks at the location near the Tower of London, with organizers estimating around 6,000 participants. The rally ended peacefully with no arrests. The Chinese government bought the historic building with plans to develop what would be Beijing’s largest diplomatic facility worldwide.
An architect involved in the project disclosed details regarding the construction of the embassy, which includes a tunnel linking two of the former Royal Mint buildings, basement spaces, and accommodation for hundreds of staff. Protesters have placed signs at the proposed site of the Chinese “mega-embassy” featuring UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping depicted as Winnie the Pooh. Earlier, a similar protest took place in London against China’s planned “mega-embassy” at the former Royal Mint Court, RFA reported.
In 2018, the Chinese government acquired the historic site with plans to build an embassy that would be ten times larger than a typical one. The development would also feature cultural exchange centers and 225 residential units. (ANI)
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