The British government wants explanations to China on the fight at the consulate in Manchester

The UK sues the Chinese Chargé d’affaires for assaulting a demonstrator on the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester.

According to the BBC, one of the top Chinese diplomats in the UK was involved in the assault.

The oldest man in the red scarf is said to be the Chinese Consul General Zheng Xiyuan:

The victim is a Hong Kong man, according to the BBC. He and 30-40 others demonstrated non-violently Sunday afternoon against Chinese President Xi, who will be re-elected as president at the Chinese Communist Party Congress this week.

Protesters had posted banners and flags on the sidewalk in front of the consulate, including one that read “Heaven will destroy the Chinese Communist Party”.

Shortly after 4pm, a group of masked men wearing hard hats and protective vests came out and removed the protest slogans. A brawl broke out in which a protester allegedly marched into the consulate courtyard.

As he lay on the ground, his hair was pulled, kicked and beaten. British agents were able to free him and take him off the site. He was taken to the hospital for a checkup, where he spent the night. The police have launched an investigation. No arrests were made.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Truss called the events “extremely worrying”.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs defends the work of the consular staff. Diplomatic missions have the right to take “necessary measures” to maintain their security, the ministry said.

According to a spokesperson, the protester entered the site illegally and endangered the safety of those present. He added that the British government must do more to protect the security of Chinese diplomatic posts and personnel.