China has expressed that it takes seriously an apology issued by French football star Kylian Mbappe following comments he made that mocked Mao Zedong, a figure whose legacy is sensitive in the country. The remarks, which sparked a significant backlash on social media, led to the suspension of Spanish football broadcasts on Chinese state television, highlighting the potential repercussions of offending historical figures in China.

During a regular briefing, Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasized the seriousness with which the government views Mbappe's comments. Mocking Mao, who is often blamed for the deaths of millions during his rule, is considered taboo in China, and the incident has positioned Mbappe as the latest in a line of foreign sports figures to draw Beijing's ire.S1S2

The controversy surrounding Mbappe's remarks underscores the delicate nature of historical discourse in China, particularly regarding figures like Mao Zedong. As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Mbappe's standing in China, a crucial market for international sports and entertainment.S1S2