The UK is facing strong backlash over its plan to redevelop the British embassy in Beijing, which costs £100 million (US$135.8 million). Approval from China is still pending on this "mega" embassy project. Meanwhile, China is emerging as a clear superpower, while Britain struggles economically. Since 2018, at least twelve English councils have gone bankrupt, and one in four councils may become insolvent by 2027. Political and media elites in the UK show a mix of superiority and inferiority complexes towards China. Much of the criticism around the embassy plan involves the influence of “yellow-ribbon” BN(O) activists. This backlash highlights deep divides in UK politics and media. The situation exposes a stark contrast between China's growing global influence and parts of the UK edging toward a developing-country status.