New China embassy controversy as guards face Met probe over 'threatening protestors with cattle prods' - as High Court fight begins

By MARTIN BECKFORD, POLICY EDITOR and CAMERON CHARTERS Published: 21:09, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 21:28, 14 July 2026 Police are investigating Chinese embassy guards for brandishing weapons at protestors, it can be revealed, as a legal challenge began against its plans for a huge new building. Officers rushed to Beijing's current diplomatic mission in central London after Tibetan activists said they were threatened by security staff with stun batons. Scotland Yard is now studying video footage of the incident which the pro-democracy campaigners say shows electroshock weapons – classified as illegal firearms in the UK – sparking and crackling. The incident at the start of July has prompted fresh calls for ministers to U-turn on allowing China to build a new mega-embassy in east London. Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China said: 'Having already refused to participate in the mega-embassy court case, we now learn that Beijing has armed its UK staff with prohibited weapons. 'Evidence, if it were needed, that they do not care about our laws and procedures. How can we be expected to trust that they will abide by any of their mega-embassy agreements and conditions?' Tenzin Rabga from Free Tibet said: 'Chinese embassy personnel threatening Tibetans with stun-batons during our candlelight vigil for Lobga Rangzen, the Tibetan activist who self-immolated in New York, is proof China's transnational repression reaches into the heart of Britain. 'This is concerning given the UK government's approval of the Chinese mega-embassy, which risks emboldening further intimidation of Tibetans and other dissidents here. Scotland Yard is studying video footage which the pro-democracy campaigners say shows electroshock weapons – classified as illegal firearms in the UK – sparking and crackling  'I urge the Met Police to act, and call on the UK government to reconsider their decision on the mega-embassy and end China's repression in the UK once and for all.' A Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed: 'On Friday, 3 July at around 18:00hrs, police were called to reports of a protest outside the Chinese Embassy on Portland Place, W1B. 'Officers attended the scene. Two protestors alleged that embassy staff had pointed a Taser towards them. No injuries were reported and officers left the area once the protestors had dispersed on their own accord. 'No arrests have been made at this stage. The investigation continues as officers review evidence, including video footage supplied by witnesses.' The Chinese embassy was contacted for comment. It came as the High Court heard a legal challenge brought by local residents against the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for granting the mega-embassy planning permission in January. The blueprints include secret blacked-out rooms which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) says are accommodation for embassy staff. But lawyers acting for those living in Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London, argue the rooms as well as general access to the site by the emergency services pose a fire risk to the public. Two protestors told police officers that embassy staff had pointed a Taser towards them in July Lord Banner KC told the court there is no means of maintaining health and safety laws in the embassy because the site is covered by diplomatic inviolability and so cannot be entered by our emergency services. This means if a fire were to start the London Fire Brigade would not be allowed access onto the site until the Chinese government granted it permission. 'These are not issues over window frame colours or door frames, these are fundamental points of fire safety,' Lord Banner said. The claimants also say the presence of the embassy in the area could lead to terrorist attacks or the repression of protest, while being used to enforce 'draconian' Chinese laws in the UK and target dissidents.