A Parisian hotel has sparked outrage among Chinese mainland netizens for its alleged removal of the Chinese national flag from its lobby during the Paris Olympics. The hotel, Evergreen Laurel, owned by Taiwan-based Evergreen International Corporation, has faced a barrage of criticism and calls for a boycott after a social media influencer exposed the incident.
A Flag’s Absence Sparks Controversy
The controversy began when a Chinese mainland influencer, “Interesting life of Instructor Zhang,” noticed the absence of the Chinese national flag among the flags of other participating countries and regions at the hotel in Paris. He found this omission particularly perplexing given the hotel’s popularity among Chinese mainland tourists.
When Zhang raised the issue with the hotel reception, he was met with a dismissive response, with the receptionist refusing to display the flag and claiming that guests had “no authority to intervene” in the hotel’s decor. Despite Zhang’s offer to provide the Chinese flag, the hotel staff refused to accept it, further fueling his frustration and leading him to cancel his reservation.
The incident has drawn widespread attention online, with many netizens accusing the hotel of deliberately snubbing China and expressing support for “Taiwan independence.” They have also pointed out the hypocrisy of the hotel’s actions, considering the significant revenue it generates from mainland Chinese tourists.
An Apology Meets Skepticism
In response to the public outcry, the hotel issued an apology, claiming that the omission of the Chinese flag was an oversight and that they are committed to providing every guest with a “perfect accommodation experience.” They also stated that they will strengthen training for their staff to prevent similar incidents in the future.
However, many netizens have dismissed the apology as insincere and evasive. They question the hotel’s commitment to rectifying the situation, demanding concrete actions such as displaying the Chinese national flag prominently and holding those responsible accountable. They have also pointed out that the hotel’s apology fails to address the underlying issue of their apparent bias against China.
A Deeper Look at Cross-Straits Relations
The incident has also brought to light the complex and often contentious relationship between mainland China and Taiwan. The hotel’s actions, perceived by many as a deliberate slight against China, have further fueled tensions between the two sides.
The hotel’s initial listing of “Taiwan” and “China” separately on their website also drew criticism, with many viewing it as a tacit endorsement of Taiwan’s separate identity. Since the controversy erupted, the hotel has removed this option, signaling their attempt to appease Chinese mainland audiences.
The Future of the Evergreen Laurel Hotel
The fallout from this incident has left the Evergreen Laurel Hotel facing a difficult situation. While the hotel has sought to appease Chinese mainland netizens with their apology, their sincerity remains questionable, leaving many unconvinced.
The hotel’s decision to remove the option of listing Taiwan alongside China on their website suggests they are prioritizing profits over principles. It remains to be seen whether the hotel will be able to regain the trust of Chinese mainland tourists and whether they will make genuine efforts to improve their relationship with China.
