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Here was a message sent to US citizens in Beijing by the US Embassy.

“In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 9, a group of local nationals assaulted an employee of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing inside the Element nightclub, located on the west side of Workers’ Stadium near Sanlitun. The employee, who was out with some colleagues, was hit in the head with a sharp object as he was dancing away from the group. According to witnesses, the employee fell to the floor and was repeatedly beaten and kicked in the head by individuals serving as bouncers for the nightclub. By all accounts, the attack was unprovoked.

This is not the first report of violence directed at U.S. citizens in the nightclubs outside of Workers’ Stadium. In September 2010, another employee of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing was assaulted inside a different nightclub at the north end of Workers’ Stadium in another unprovoked incident. Private U.S. citizens have also reported being victims of crime in the nearby area.

U.S. citizens are reminded to use caution when enjoying the nightlife in Beijing. Maintaining an awareness of your surroundings and keeping a low profile are critical to avoiding potential problems.”