Beijing police raid expat event at Dada Bar

A bar in Beijing that was hosting an event featuring young, mostly foreign creatives was raided by police last night. 

"Beijing Creatives" was being held at Dada Bar in the city's Dongcheng district featuring a number of speakers including 3D photographer Mantjaz Tancic, Beijing Cream's Anthony Tao, artist Suo Di, and marketing director Iris Zhao.

According to Beijing Cream's Patrick Lozada, who was at the event, police entered the bar at 8.30pm and began checking passports and ID cards. According to guests, police were targeting guests who "looked Chinese" and photographed Asian-looking guests who could not produce passports. 

Police were not guarding the side door, and a number of people left from there. Those of Asian descent who stayed were noted and their photographs and information were recorded. After police left, the talk actually continued, albeit with a somewhat diminished audience.

Travelling in China without a passport is an offence, but one that is rarely enforced (though more so in the capital than other major cities). Bar owner Michael Ohlsson described the raid as a routine "check".  

[Image via Flickr]