Strong opposition has emerged over the British government’s decision to approve the construction of a giant Chinese embassy in London, as a group of residents challenged the decision in court today, arguing that officials failed to consider the impact on protests and the potential targeting of dissidents.

China’s plans to construct an embassy at Royal Mint Court, a historic two-century-old building near the Tower of London, were approved in January, shortly before Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China — the first visit by a British leader to the country since 2018.

The decision was made as part of efforts to improve relations with Beijing, despite warnings from British and American politicians that the site could potentially be used for espionage. UK intelligence services said that any potential threat could be managed.

Fears over restrictions on protests and surveillance of dissidents

Residents argue that authorities failed to properly consider the risk that the new embassy could restrict protest activity or be used to monitor and intimidate Chinese dissidents.

The Chinese embassy in London, which has previously categorically denied allegations of espionage activities, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case before the High Court in London was brought by the Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association (RMCRA), which represents a group of families and businesses living and operating in properties built at Royal Mint Court under lease agreements.

Concerns over the use of the embassy building

Lawyers representing the RMCRA argued in court documents that ministers should have taken measures to “prevent the property from becoming a significant base for transnational repression.”

They also claimed that conditions imposed on the new embassy would be difficult to enforce because diplomatic facilities are protected under international law. They cited a 2022 incident in which a protester was assaulted and dragged inside the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester, as well as a previous breach of planning regulations at the Chinese consulate in Belfast.

However, lawyers representing UK Housing Secretary Steve Reed argued that the RMCRA was attempting to revive arguments that had already been properly considered during the approval process for the embassy project.

The legal challenge comes amid wider concerns over alleged Chinese espionage activities, following the conviction in May of two individuals with dual Chinese and British citizenship for spying on Hong Kong dissidents. They were sentenced to prison last month.

The Chinese embassy in London has strongly rejected the allegations, previously describing the convictions as a “politically motivated abuse of the law” and warnings about espionage threats as “malicious slander.”