The new embassy -- if approved by the UK government -- would be the "biggest Chinese embassy in Europe", one lawmaker said earlier.
Protester Iona Boswell, a 40-year-old social worker, told AFP said there was "no need for a mega embassy here" and that she believed it would be used to facilitate the "harassment of dissidents".
China has for several years been trying to relocate its embassy, currently in the British capital's upmarket Marylebone district, to the sprawling historic site in the shadow of the Tower of London.
The move has sparked fierce opposition from nearby residents, rights groups, critics of China's ruling Communist Party and others.
"This is about the future of our freedom, not just the site of a Chinese embassy in London," Conservative Party lawmaker Tom Tugendhat told AFP at the protest, adding that people living in the UK "sadly have been too often been threatened by Chinese state agents".
"I think it would be a threat to all of us because we would see an increase in economic espionage... and an increase in the silencing of opponents of the Chinese Communist Party (in the UK)," the former security minister added.
Housing the Royal Mint -- the official maker of British coins -- for nearly two centuries, the site was earlier home to a 1348-built Cistercian abbey but is currently derelict.
Beijing bought it for a reported $327 million in 2018.
- Online surveillance -
"It will be like a headquarter (for China) to catch the (Hong Kong) people in the UK to (send them) back to China," said another protester dressed all in black and wearing a full face mask, giving his name only as "Zero", a member of "Hongkongers in Leeds", the northern English city.
"After the super embassy (is built) maybe they will have more people to do the dirty jobs," he added.
The protest comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, elected last July, wants more engagement with Beijing, following years of deteriorating relations over various issues, in particular China's rights crackdown in Hong Kong.
In November Starmer became the first UK prime minister since 2018 to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, when the pair held talks at the G20 in Brazil.
A national planning inspector will now hold a public inquiry into the scheme, but Communities Secretary Angela Rayner will make the final decision.
That has alarmed opponents who fear the Labour government's emphasis on economic growth, and improved China ties, could trump other considerations.
Multiple Western nations accuse Beijing of using espionage to gather technological information.
They have also accused hacking groups backed by China of a global campaign of online surveillance targeting critics.
The United States, Britain and New Zealand in March 2024 accused Beijing-backed hackers of being behind a series of attacks against lawmakers and key democratic institutions -- allegations that prompted angry Chinese denials.
Amsterdam to ban polluting pleasure boats in April
Amsterdam (AFP) Feb 6, 2025 -
The authorities in Amsterdam announced Thursday a new ban on polluting pleasure boats on its world famous city centre canals, citing the health effects of bad air quality.
Starting April 1, only electric, hydrogen or rowing boats will be allowed, a statement read. "The city's polluted air is bad for the health of Amsterdam residents," it added.
Air pollution, worsened by climate change, increases the risk of suffering from respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.
"This is why we are working on improving air quality" with free-emission zones, the authorities said.
The ban should contribute to lowering carbon dioxide emissions and also noise pollution.
"This means no more diesel fumes on our canals but silent and clean sailing powered by electricity, hydrogen or muscle strength," the statement read, adding that the ban will not apply to houseboats, or on the city's major sailing routes.
Hybrid boats will be allowed, as long as they do not pollute.
New, stricter regulation targeting tourist river boats already came into effect earlier this year, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS.
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