The national airline of China flew into a storm of controversy after its in-flight magazine, warned its readers flying to London to avoid certain ethnic minority areas of the city.
The Wings of China magazine warned its customers that the capital was generally safe, but “precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people”. The comments further stated, “We advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when travelling.”
The comments were written in English and Chinese about the various London attractions headlined “Tips from Air China”. The article grabbed the attention of Haze Fan, a Chinese journalist who tweeted a picture to Mayor Sadiq Khan asking him for his opinion.
The ‘tips’ caused outrage among London MPs, including Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Virendra Sharma, who said they were writing to the Chinese ambassador, Liu Xiaoming.
Mr Virendra Sharma, the MP for Ealing Southall said “I am shocked and appalled that even today some people would see it as acceptable to write such blatantly untrue and racist statements. I have invited representatives of Air China to visit my constituency of Ealing Southall to see that a very multicultural area is safe, and would be of great value for those visiting London to see. I will await their response, and if an appropriate one is not forthcoming I shall feel forced to question whether Air China is a fit company to operate in the UK.”
Since the incident last week the publishers of an Air China in-flight magazine have issued an apology, as Chinese media and public back the airline for giving people the ’truth’ about the British capital.
A 'Letter of Apology' from Air China Media Group, the publisher of Wings of China admitted the article ‘caused misunderstanding’. “(It) created a huge negative influence to the operation, image and reputation of Air China. We express our deep apology for this. Air China has withdrawn the magazine on all flights after noticing the problem, and demanded the magazine’s publishing house learn lessons and avoid similar problems from happening again," it said.
While the Air China Media Group issued an apology, China's state-run media defended the racist tip about Indians, Pakistanis and black people in London, saying that the airline had got its facts right, but had just presented them inappropriately.
Articles in the state-run Global Times accused the British of opportunism in highlighting the Air China issue.
In an update to the scandal, London Assembly Member Navin Shah has written to the Chinese Ambassador, Liu Xiaoming, extending an invitation to visit Brent and Harrow to demonstrate that they are safe and vibrant places to visit for Chinese tourists. He has also written to Air China requesting a corrective article in the next issue of the magazine, which would actively promote diverse parts of London, like Brent and Harrow, to Chinese tourists.
Mr Navin Shah AM, said: “I am sure that the hurtful and offensive comments in the magazine do not represent the views of the Chinese Government or people, and I am sure the Chinese community here will be horrified by this story. I have invited the Ambassador in order to demonstrate that we are warm, friendly and welcoming people, and there is nothing to fear.”
