China’s plan to build the largest embassy in Europe—right in the heart of London—has ignited a storm of debate. Officially, it’s about serving a growing diaspora and expanding cultural exchange. But behind the blueprints lie questions of espionage, influence, and national security. For the UK, the decision is more than planning permission—it’s a test of sovereignty in an age of great power rivalry.

We break down:
🏛️ The role of embassies in diplomacy—and the limits of host country control
📜 What the Vienna Convention does (and doesn’t) allow once an embassy is built
🇨🇳 China’s official explanation: students, visas, and cultural outreach
🔍 The suspicions: surveillance, monitoring dissidents, and political influence campaigns
🇬🇧 Why Britain is delaying approval—and the risks of saying yes or no
🌍 How other countries are responding to oversized Chinese embassies
🇮🇳 Why this controversy matters for India and the multipolar world order

This isn’t just a construction project. It’s a window into how architecture becomes geopolitics—and how democracies grapple with the rise of an assertive China.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode was generated using AI tools. Content, script, and voice may contain inaccuracies and are intended for informational purposes only.