Pro-Tibet protesters clashed with police Saturday outside the Chinese consulate in Sydney, Australia's largest city, police said.
Four demonstrators were arrested in the melee, said a police spokesman, who declined to give his name in line with departmental policy. No injuries or damage to the consulate were reported.
The spokesman said one demonstrator had been charged with assaulting police with a wooden pole and one remained in custody while police mulled charges. Two others were released without charge, he said.
Police said around 70 people took part in the protest in Sydney, which followed demonstrations and riots Friday in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, that reportedly left at least 10 people dead.
Australian Associated Press reported officers used batons and capsicum spray against the protesters. The police spokesman denied any batons were used, but declined comment on the alleged use of capsicum spray.
Nine Network television broadcast an unnamed woman protester saying police had been "very rough" in their response to the 30-minute protest.
AAP said the protest by members of Sydney's ethnic Tibetan community and others turned violent after 40 demonstrators surrounded two police officers sent to watch the demonstration.
Separately, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith urged China to show restraint in Tibet.
"We call on Chinese authorities to act with restraint and to deal with protesters peacefully," Smith said in a statement. "We urge the Chinese government to allow peaceful expression of dissent."
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