Local residents in London are challenging the UK’s approval of China’s mega embassy in court, citing concerns over the potential impact on protests and the targeting of dissidents. The embassy, which will be built on the site of the Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London, was approved in January.
Concerns Over Embassy’s Use
The Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association (RMCRA) is bringing the case to London’s High Court, arguing that ministers should have taken steps to prevent the property from becoming a base for ‘transnational repression’. The RMCRA’s lawyers also argue that conditions imposed on the new embassy cannot be enforced, as diplomatic premises are protected.
The case comes amid concerns about alleged Chinese espionage, after two dual Chinese-British nationals were convicted of spying on Hong Kong dissidents and jailed last month. The Chinese embassy in London has vehemently denied allegations of espionage activities.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
