China has asked several foreign embassies and international organizations in Beijing not to display “politicised propaganda” on their buildings. This in order not to ’cause conflicts between States’. The diplomats tell the Reuters news agency. According to diplomats, the request appeared to be aimed at Ukrainian flags that have been hanging from buildings since the Russian invasion. None of the embassies accepted the request.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, several foreign embassies in Beijing showed their solidarity with Ukraine by hoisting or displaying the Ukrainian flag on posters and projections. Embassies have also posted signs with messages in Chinese and English, such as #StandWithUkraine.
“We and others received a letter urging embassies and representations not to use the exterior walls of their buildings for ‘politicised propaganda,’ said an anonymous diplomat whose embassy displays an image of the Ukrainian flag. The letter was sent on May 10 by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The diplomat in question also said that the mission does not intend to follow up on the notification. Three other diplomats stationed in Beijing confirmed the report, adding that while it did not directly mention the Ukrainian flag, it was clearly directed towards it. According to the notice, embassies and international organizations are “obligated (…) to follow Chinese laws and regulations,” even as Beijing respects diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Embassies in Beijing expressing support for Ukraine include those of Canada, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and the EU.
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
