Home Economy Beijing tells foreign embassies to remove ‘politicised propaganda’

Beijing tells foreign embassies to remove ‘politicised propaganda’

by kimadmin
0 comment

Foreign embassies in Beijing have been asked to remove “politicised propaganda” from their buildings, apparently a reference to the Ukrainian flags that many missions have displayed on their exterior since the Russian invasion.

The notice from China’s foreign ministry, sent earlier this month, said: “Do not use the building facilities’ exterior walls to display politicised propaganda to avoid inciting disputes between countries,” according to Reuters.

Four Beijing-based diplomats interviewed by the news agency said “politicised propaganda” was a reference to the Ukrainian flag. The notice was addressed to “all embassies, and international organisations’ China representative offices”.

The UK, Canadian, US and EU missions in Beijing, as well as other embassies, have displayed the Ukrainian flag outside their buildings in a show of solidarity. Embassies often display other banners to show support for countries or groups, such as the Pride flag of the LGBTQ+ community.

One diplomat said their mission did not intend to comply with the request.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has been condemned by western countries, but not by China, which is a close ally of Moscow.

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has tried to position himself as a mediator in the conflict, while also showing clear support for Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president. On a visit to Moscow in March, Xi praised Putin’s “strong leadership”.

The cancelled Quad summit is a win for China and a self-inflicted blow to the US’s Pacific standingRead more

Xi did not speak to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, until April. This week, Li Hui, China’s special representative for Eurasian affairs and a former ambassador to Russia, arrived in Ukraine for a two-day visit, as part of a European tour.

No official details about Li’s trip have been released but he is the most senior Chinese official to visit Ukraine since the start of the war.

Nabila Massrali, an EU spokesperson, said “all diplomatic missions” received the note from China’s foreign ministry.

“The note does not specify what might constitute ‘politicised propaganda’, nor communicates further on the matter. The EU delegation has not changed any items displayed at its front wall.”

The UK’s Foreign Office declined to comment, while the US and Canadian foreign ministries did not respond to a request for comment.

China’s foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report

Congratulations on being one of our top readers globally – you’ve read 66 articles in the last year

Article counton

… as 2023 gathers pace, and you’re joining us from Malaysia, we have a small favour to ask. We are living through turbulent times, but the Guardian is always there, providing clarity and fearless, independent reporting from around the world, 24/7. 

We know not everyone is in a position to pay for news. But as we’re reader-funded, we rely on the ongoing generosity of those who can afford it. This vital support means millions can continue to read reliable reporting on the events shaping our world. Will you invest in the Guardian this year?

Unlike many others, we have no billionaire owner, meaning we can fearlessly chase the truth and report it with integrity. 2023 will be no different; we will work with trademark determination and passion to bring you journalism that’s always free from commercial or political interference. No one edits our editor or diverts our attention from what’s most important. 

With your support, we’ll continue to keep Guardian journalism open and free for everyone to read. When access to information is made equal, greater numbers of people can understand global events and their impact on people and communities. Together, we can demand better from the powerful and fight for democracy.

Help power the Guardian’s reporting for the years to come, whether with a small sum or a larger one.

Leave a Comment

@2022 – All Right Reserved.