Embassy of China, London facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Embassy of China in London
Location	Marylebone, London
Address	49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
Ambassador	Liu Xiaoming

The Embassy of China in London is like China's main office in the United Kingdom. It's where Chinese diplomats work to keep good relations between China and the UK. This embassy is China's only one in the UK, but they also have smaller offices called Consulates-General in Edinburgh and Manchester.

This embassy has a long history! It started way back in 1877 as the Chinese Legation. This made it China's very first permanent overseas office in another country. Over the years, it has served different Chinese governments, including the Qing Empire, the Republic of China, and since 1950, the People's Republic of China.

A famous event happened here in 1911. A very important Chinese leader named Sun Yat-sen was held at the embassy. His release was a big deal that helped lead to the Chinese revolution that year. Today, the embassy is still a key place for events about China in the UK. For example, in 2012, they celebrated 40 years of friendship between the UK and China.

Most people in the UK who want to visit China and need a visa don't go to the embassy directly. Instead, they use a special China Visa Applications Centre, which is also in London. You'll often see police officers outside the embassy building.

China also has other offices in London for different purposes. These include sections for defence, business, culture, and science and technology.

History of the Embassy

Early Days and First Mission

The Chinese Legation in London opened its doors at 49 Portland Place in 1877. This was a very important step for China, as it was their first official office in a foreign country. A Chinese official named Guo Songtao was sent to London in 1876. He arrived in January 1877, and the Legation officially started on February 7, 1877.

This building became famous for holding Sun Yat-sen. He was a key figure in China's history. His time at the embassy caused a lot of discussion, but he was eventually set free with help from his friend, James Cantlie.

A New Government Takes Over

After a big change in China in 1911, the Republic of China was formed. The British government recognized this new government in 1913. The Republic of China then took over the embassy building from the old Qing government. In 1924, they renewed the lease for No. 49 Portland Place.

A couple of years later, in 1926, the Chinese government also leased the building next door, No. 51 Portland Place. They even got a very long lease for both buildings, lasting 999 years! In 1935, China's official presence in Britain was upgraded. The Chinese Legation became the Chinese Embassy, showing stronger ties between the two countries.

Modern Embassy Building

After another revolution in China in 1949, the UK government first continued to recognize the Republic of China. But in 1950, they switched their recognition to the People's Republic of China. This new government then took over the embassy buildings.

In 1973, the Chinese asked if they could knock down the old buildings and build a new, single embassy. The British authorities agreed. The old buildings were taken down in 1980. The new embassy was built between 1983 and 1985. The new building looks similar to the old ones, but it has one main entrance instead of the two separate doorways the original houses had.

What Happens at the Embassy?

Protests and Public Interest

The Chinese Embassy has often been a place where people gather to protest. These protests are usually about actions taken by the Chinese government. For example, there have been protests supporting artists like Ai Weiwei. People have also protested to support Tibetan independence.

For many years, a person who supports Falun Gong has been protesting peacefully across from the embassy. This long-standing protest was even mentioned in a book called Saturday by the author Ian McEwan.

There have been talks that the embassy might move from Portland Place to a new area called Nine Elms. This is where other countries, like the Netherlands and the United States, are also moving their embassies.

Images for kids

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  The Embassy building today. The front of the building still shows where two separate houses used to be, but now there's only one main door.

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  A police officer stands outside the embassy. You can see the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China above the door.

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  A Falun Gong protestor in 2013.