China warns missions on ‘propaganda’ displays

China has notified foreign embassies and international organisations not to exhibit politicised propaganda on their buildings, an instruction diplomats say is aimed at missions that have displayed Ukrainian flags since Russia’s invasion.

Several foreign missions in China raised the Ukrainian flag, or displayed its image in posters and lights, following the February 2022 invasion that sparked international condemnation of Russia, a close ally of China.

“Do not use the building facilities’ exterior walls to display politicised propaganda to avoid inciting disputes between countries,” China’s foreign ministry said in a notification dated May 10.

The notice was addressed to “all embassies, and international organisations’ China representative offices”.

In the notice, the ministry did not mention Ukrainian flags or any particular “propaganda” displays, but four Beijing-based diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was clearly related to Ukraine solidarity exhibits.

Weeks after Russia launched what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine, a poster of a Ukrainian flag on the exterior wall of the Canadian Embassy was defaced with antiNato graffiti, according to a Reuters witness.

The missions of the EU, Britain, Germany and Poland in Beijing have also displayed images of Ukrainian flags. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

China has called for peace in Ukraine but has refrained from condemning Russia.

Some embassies in Beijing are also displaying rainbow flags to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia yesterday .

It was not clear if China also objected to such displays.