China says it takes Mbappe’s apology ‘seriously’ after Mao dictator comment

What the report says

China’s Foreign Ministry said it took Kylian Mbappe’s apology “seriously” after the Real Madrid and France forward drew backlash over remarks mocking Mao Zedong in a video interview. The comments, which were described by Chinese users and officials as offensive, prompted a social media dispute in China and led to the removal of the interview clip from the original programme. Mbappe later issued an apology in French, Chinese and English, saying his joke was ill-judged and had upset people in China and Chinese communities abroad.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, the fallout extended beyond online criticism. China’s state broadcaster CMG said it suspended broadcasts of Spain’s La Liga, while La Liga itself said it regretted the offence caused. Chinese companies including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground also ended partnerships with the player, and some reports said other brands removed Mbappe-related material from Chinese social media platforms. Mbappe’s accounts on platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Weibo were also restricted, according to the article.

The incident is notable because China has previously reacted strongly to comments by foreign sports figures on sensitive political issues. Al Jazeera noted that Mbappe, who is widely popular in China, has appeared in advertising and merchandise there. The report also placed the episode in a wider pattern of Chinese authorities and state media emphasizing respect for local history, culture and national sentiment in international business and sport.