The Chinese Foreign Ministry called on embassies to stop promoting support for Ukraine.

Against the background of the installation of signs with the Ukrainian flag near Western embassies, China appealed to foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations located in Beijing with a request not to use the outer walls of their buildings for “political propaganda”, according to a number of diplomatic sources.

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Many embassies in Beijing have installed signs displaying the Ukrainian flag with signatures in Chinese and English calling for support for Ukraine.

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According to the sources, a May 10 notice from the Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed to embassies and international organizations urged them not to use the outer walls of their buildings for propaganda and to “avoid causing conflicts between states.” The document also states that embassies and international organizations are “obligated to abide by Chinese laws and regulations.”

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Beijing’s call drew backlash from diplomats in Europe and elsewhere. At the same time, as noted, none of them, presumably, removed the signs. Among the countries whose embassies have expressed support for Ukraine are Canada, Germany and Poland.