London [UK], March 16: 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.
The persecution of human rights defenders in China involves severe human rights violations, such as mass detentions in "re-education camps," forced labour, and intense surveillance. The Chinese government has been accused of religious repression, cultural destruction, and forced assimilation, which include restrictions on the language, religion, and cultural practices of minorities.
Reports highlight family separations, forced indoctrination, and the destruction of minority heritage sites. International organizations have condemned these actions as genocide and crimes against humanity, but China rejects these allegations, claiming they are false and part of efforts to combat extremism. The issue remains a major global human rights concern.
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