Pro-China Consulate Attack After Anti-Xi Jinping Protest in the UK

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] A man protesting against President Xi Jinping in front of the Chinese Consulate in the UK was collectively beaten on the 16th (local time), prompting the police to launch an investigation.

According to reports from BBC and others, at least eight people rushed out from the Chinese Consulate in Manchester at the time, breaking the protesters' placards and dragging one Hong Kong-born protester inside, where they violently assaulted him with fists and kicks.

Among those who came out of the consulate were individuals wearing helmets, protective gear, and masks. The British police hesitated to enter the consulate but eventually went inside, rescuing the victim and stopping the assault.

Although the consulate is located on British territory, entry is not allowed without the consent of the host country. Crimes occurring inside the consulate are punishable under British law, but consulate staff often hold diplomatic immunity.

The victim of the group assault, who identified himself as "Bob," told the BBC, "People from mainland China came out of the consulate, damaged the posters, dragged me inside, and beat me severely."

At the time, the protesters were demonstrating right next to the consulate's main gate, displaying a Chinese banner that read "Heaven will destroy the Chinese Communist Party" and satirical images of President Xi Jinping wearing a crown.

Following the incident, the consulate issued a statement saying, "A portrait insulting the President of China was displayed at the main gate," adding, "This is an act that cannot be tolerated by any embassy or consulate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.