Security concerns rise over Peking University expansion in Oxford

Peking University HSBC Business School, the first Chinese state university in the UK, has been operating a small campus in Boars Hill, Oxfordshire, since 2017. The institution is now planning to expand its facilities, which include a new lecture theatre with a capacity of 200 and additional student housing. This expansion is significant as it marks the growth of a Chinese educational presence in the UK, raising various concerns among local residents. The proposed expansion has sparked unease among the approximately 600 residents of Boars Hill, who fear that an influx of students could overwhelm their small community. The local population is apprehensive about the potential impact on their village's character and resources, as the expansion could lead to a substantial increase in the number of students living and studying in the area. Moreover, Peking University HSBC Business School is registered with the Home Office as a sponsor of student visas, which allows it to attract international students. This status not only facilitates the university's growth but also raises questions about the implications of foreign educational institutions operating in the UK, particularly regarding security and community integration. As the university moves forward with its plans, the concerns of local residents highlight the broader issues surrounding foreign investments in education and the potential challenges they pose to local communities. The situation underscores the need for dialogue between the institution and the residents to address these security and integration concerns effectively.