Plans for a new Chinese 'super embassy' in central London are set to go ahead after the High Court blocked a challenge to the proposed site. The Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association (RMCRA) had initiated legal action against the government’s housing department and Tower Hamlets council.
The RMCRA, representing families and businesses near the site, expressed concerns that the embassy could enforce “draconian” Chinese laws in the UK. The association also warned of potential terrorist attacks or the repression of protests near the embassy, which is planned for Royal Mint Court, close to the Tower of London.
Two judges dismissed the challenge following a High Court hearing earlier this month. They rejected claims that the government had not followed planning regulations or adequately assessed human rights. The judgment, issued on Friday, stated there was “no doubt” that the government considered the Chinese government's application for planning permission.
The approval of the embassy by ministers earlier this year had met opposition from Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, and the Conservatives. The White House also expressed concerns over the plans. Protesters had objected to potential threats posed by more Chinese diplomats and spies to Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, and Chinese dissidents granted asylum in the UK.
Former security officials have scrutinised the embassy’s location at Royal Mint Court due to nearby fibre cables connecting the City to Canary Wharf. Tory figures Alicia Kearns and Tom Tugendhat have been vocal opponents, following the collapse of a Chinese spy case last year involving Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who deny all allegations.