The Chinese ambassador to Kiribati, a small island state in the Pacific, created controversy by walking on the backs of residents during a visit. Beijing took its defense, specifying that this practice is a local custom.
Standing face down and presenting your back to a distinguished guest is a traditional welcoming ceremony in Kiribati.
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China defended its ambassador to Kiribati on Thursday after the publication of photos showing him walking on the backs of residents of the Pacific country, stressing that he had simply bowed to local welcoming traditions.
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These amazing images have gone viral on the internet in recent days. Many internet users have found the pictures disturbing. Others wanted to see it as a symbol of Beijing’s growing influence in the region.
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Ambassador Tang Songgen was on a visit to one of the islands of the Republic of Kiribati. This tiny Pacific island nation established diplomatic ties with China in 2019.
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“Following the cordial request of the authorities and the local inhabitants, and out of respect for the culture and customs of Kiribati, Ambassador Tang finally agreed to participate in this welcoming ceremony,” said Zhao Lijian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
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A traditional ceremony
Standing face down and presenting your back to a distinguished guest is “the most solemn traditional welcoming ceremony on this island,” he told a regular press conference.
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Zhao Lijian has also criticized the “political objectives” of certain Internet users and elected officials, including Australians, who in recent days have criticized the attitude of the ambassador.
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“Some Australians, although well aware of Kiribati’s unique customs, have nonetheless deliberately discredited and slandered China,” he said.
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“China fully respects the local culture and customs in its interactions with the countries of the Pacific, and we, as guests, are committed to respecting the wishes of our hosts.”
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(AFP)
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