Why China's plans to move its UK embassy to historic Royal Mint Court sparked a row

China's controversial plan to shift its embassy in the United Kingdom to the historic Royal Mint Court estate was rejected by local authorities on Thursday. Constructed over two centuries ago and once owned by the British monarchy, the Royal Mint Court was purchased by Beijing in 2018. China hoped to move its embassy to east London from Portland Place in central London. But many of the estate's current residents objected to China's ambitious plan, citing security and privacy concerns. What is the Royal Mint Court? Located opposite the Tower of London, the 5.4-acre plot was home to the Royal Mint…