BEIJING — China has notified international embassies and worldwide organizations to not exhibit “politicized propaganda” on their buildings, an instruction diplomats say is geared toward missions which have displayed Ukrainian flags since Russia’s invasion.
Several international missions in China raised the Ukrainian flag, or displayed its picture in posters and lights, following the February 2022 invasion that sparked worldwide condemnation of Russia, a detailed ally of China.
“Do not use the building facilities’ exterior walls to display politicized propaganda to avoid inciting disputes between countries,” China’s international ministry mentioned in a notification dated May 10.
The discover, a replica of which was seen by Reuters, was addressed to “all embassies, and international organizations’ China representative offices.”
In the discover, the ministry didn’t point out Ukrainian flags or any explicit “propaganda” shows, however 4 Beijing-based diplomats, talking to Reuters on situation of anonymity, mentioned it was clearly associated to Ukraine solidarity displays.
Asked in regards to the discover at a briefing, international ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin mentioned embassies and workplaces of worldwide organizations had an obligation to respect China’s legal guidelines and laws. He didn’t elaborate.
Weeks after Russia launched what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine a poster of a Ukrainian flag on the outside wall of the Canadian Embassy was defaced with anti-NATO graffiti, in response to a Reuters witness.
The missions of the European Union, Britain, Germany and Poland in Beijing have additionally displayed photographs of Ukrainian flags.
They didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
China has referred to as for a peace in Ukraine however has avoided condemning Russia, resulting in criticism from Western nations.
Some embassies in Beijing are additionally displaying rainbow flags in assist of the LGBT neighborhood, to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on Wednesday, and LGBT Pride Month in June.
It was not instantly clear if China, which has confronted criticism from rights teams for stifling LGBT activism lately, objected to such shows. — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
