A proposed Chinese embassy in London that would be the largest in all of Europe is facing backlash from demonstrators who fear it could be used to spy on overseas dissidents from China and Hong Kong. Conservative lawmakers also voiced their concerns.
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00:00Over a thousand people have rallied against a proposed Chinese mega embassy
00:05in London. If Beijing's application for the new embassy is approved, it would be
00:10the largest embassy in Europe, spanning two hectares near the iconic Tower of
00:14London. China already owns this site, which used to house the UK's coin maker.
00:19Protesters say that they are concerned that this embassy could be used to spy
00:23on overseas dissidents from China and Hong Kong. Those worries were echoed by
00:28British politicians who came out to support the crowd.
00:31Well I think it would be a threat to all of us because we would see an increase
00:35in economic espionage, an increase in transnational repression and an
00:39increase in silencing opponents of the Chinese Communist Party. This is Britain,
00:43this isn't China. People have the right to expect freedom.