China’s plans for a giant new embassy opposite the Tower of London have been unanimously rejected by local councilors on the grounds they pose a security risk to local residents, in a surprise decision that comes amid growing concerns over Beijing’s diplomatic activity in the United Kingdom.It could use its powers to “call in” the plans and overrule the local council’s decision, which could be politically controversial; or refrain from intervening and risk antagonizing Beijing.The rejection of the plans at a local level – while the national government appeared loath to get involved – will likely prove embarrassing for Beijing at a time when the behavior of China’s diplomats is under scrutiny after a protester was dragged into the country’s consulate in Manchester and beaten.Simon Cheng, a prominent Tower Hamlets-based activist from Hong Kong, gave an impassioned speech, decrying the lack of local consultation about the project and scant regard taken of Beijing’s record of spying on Chinese who have fled to countries like Britain.After the Tower Hamlets decision, Lake, the residents’ association chair, told CNN: “This does show that you must stand your ground, even if it’s against the likes of a superpower, like China.” “We know this is just round one though,” said Lake, who on Thursday launched a crowd-funding page to raise money for what he anticipates may degenerate into a legal battle over the terms of his estate’s leases and who owns them."