China tells foreign missions to ‘not use embassy walls for propaganda'

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China has asked foreign missions in the capital Beijing to “not use” outer building walls for “political propaganda,” a media report claimed on Tuesday.

Citing unnamed diplomatic sources, Japan’s Kyodo News reported: “The notice from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, dated May 10, urged the embassies and international organizations not to use the outer walls of their buildings for propaganda and avoid causing conflicts between states.”

It added many foreign missions “have put up signboards depicting the Ukraine flag and with messages in Chinese and English, such as #StandWithUkraine, to demonstrate their solidarity with Kyiv.”

Ukraine has been under attack from Russia for over a year now, resulting in the death and displacement of hundreds of thousands.

China has refused to condemn Moscow over the war but has called for de-escalation and dialogue for a political solution.

“Embassies and international organizations are obliged to follow Chinese laws and regulations,” the Chinese notice read, according to Kyodo, adding Beijing has said it “respects diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

Beijing has sent its Eurasian Affairs Ambassador Li Hui to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and Russia “to engage with all parties on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.”