(Photo : HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Foreign embassies and international organizations in China have been warned not to put "political propaganda" on their buildings.
In apparent response to demonstrations of support for Ukraine, the Chinese government requested that foreign embassies in Beijing refrain from displaying propaganda.
The government of Chinese leader Xi Jinping claims to be neutral regarding Moscow's 15-month invasion of Ukraine, but has repeatedly defended Russia's actions by accusing Washington and the US-European military alliance NATO of provocation.
China Asks Embassies to Avoid 'Propaganda'
This week, a Chinese envoy visited Ukraine and was scheduled to travel to Russia to discuss a potential "political resolution"; however, little progress is anticipated.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry requested last week that diplomatic missions refrain from displaying "political propaganda" on their exterior walls, according to a spokesperson for the European Union and a diplomat from a European government.
Per ABC News, EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali wrote in a statement that the May 8 request cites the need to "prevent inciting disputes between countries," but does not define propaganda or provide additional details.
Massrali stated that the EU Delegation in Beijing "has not altered any of its front-wall displays." According to the diplomats, the request didn't mention Ukraine. Other than tourism advertisements, the only public displays by most foreign missions are flags and placards erected by the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, and other countries.
The European diplomat, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that his government "sees no cause to alter" its display.
A 2-meter-tall sign at the entrance to the Finnish Embassy displays the flags of Finland and Ukraine and the hashtag "#WeStandWithUkraine." The same phrase and flags of both countries appear on a marquee affixed to Sweden's Embassy.
These exhibits have been on display for months. It was unclear why China requested the removal now. As part of Diversity Week and Wednesday's International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, some embassies also raised rainbow flags. Such matters are deemed politically sensitive by the Chinese Communist Party.
"Do not use the exterior walls of building facilities to display political propaganda in order to avoid inciting disputes between countries," China's foreign ministry said in a May 10 notice. The notice, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, was addressed to "all embassies and China representative offices of international organizations."
The notice did not specify Ukrainian flags or any specific "propaganda" displays, but four diplomats based in Beijing told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that it was obviously related to Ukraine solidarity displays.
When asked about the notice during a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that embassies and international organization offices had a responsibility to respect China's laws and regulations. He did not elaborate.
According to a Reuters witness, weeks after Russia launched what it terms its "special military operation" in Ukraine, a Ukrainian flag poster on the exterior wall of the Canadian Embassy was defaced with anti-NATO graffiti.
In Beijing, the missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland have also displayed Ukrainian flags. China has called for peace in Ukraine, but has refrained from condemning Russia, to the disapproval of Western nations.
China's Stance on Russaia-Ukraine War
A 2-meter-tall sign at the entrance to the Finnish Embassy displays the flags of Finland and Ukraine and the hashtag "#WeStandWithUkraine." The same phrase and flags of both countries appear on a marquee affixed to Sweden's Embassy.
Some embassies in Beijing are also flying rainbow flags in support of the LGBT community to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on Wednesday as well as LGBT Pride Month in June.
It was unclear whether China, which in recent years has been criticized by rights groups for suppressing LGBT activism, objected to such displays. In response to a request for affirmation and specifics, the foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that embassies must "respect Chinese laws and regulations," but provided no further information.
According to the two governments, Chinese envoy Li Hui conferred with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba for two days. The Ukrainian government stated that they discussed "methods to stop Russian aggression," but neither side provided additional information. Chinese foreign ministry stated that the two governments should "create conditions for terminating the conflict and peace negotiations."
Political analysts are pessimistic about the prospects for peace because neither party appears willing to cease fighting. However, they assert that Xi's government may be attempting to deflect criticism of its friendship with Vladimir Putin and to drive European allies away from the United States.
In February, China proposed a peace plan, but Ukraine's allies largely disregarded it, insisting that Putin's forces must withdraw and face war crimes charges, Telagreph reported.
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