Why brands in China dropped French football star Mbappé – Foreign Ministry

Says China closely following developments in Middle East, Gulf region, Red Sea, Horn of Africa

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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has explained why multiple major brands in China dropped French football star, Kylian Mbappé.

This was even as there were signs of deeper negative reactions as public television stations planned to put on hold broadcasts of matches from La Liga, Spain.

A video circulated online showed Mbappé, a Real Madrid player, laughing about an internet meme that superimposed his face onto former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, whom he referred to as a “Chinese dictator.”

However, Mbappé was reported to have apologised following the actions by major Chinese brands.

“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset,” Mbappé said.

Asked to comment on the development during a regular press conference in Beijing, China, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said any rhetoric or action that hurts the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be rejected across the sectors.

Guo said: “We noted relevant reports. Any rhetoric or action that hurts the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be rejected across the sectors in China.”

Meanwhile, the Chinese Government has said it is closely following the developments in the Middle East, the Gulf region, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, and expressed deep concerns over the protracted conflicts and their spillover effects.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated this following reports that the United States and Israel might resume military operations against Iran.

He, however, said China called on relevant parties to resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiation and realise lasting ceasefire and cessation of hostilities at an early date.

“China is committed to promoting peace talks. Our special envoys will soon travel to regional countries to strengthen communication with the relevant parties and promote engagement, dialogue and de-escalation to prevent the worsening of the situation.

“Guided by the initiatives and propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping on promoting peace and security in the Middle East, China will work together with the international community to make unremitting efforts for the early realisation of peace and stability in relevant regions,” Guo also said.

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