Diaoyu Islands theme restaurant sign dismantled after foreign media reports A #Diaoyu #Islands theme restaurant situated in Beijing’s embassy area has been doing the rounds after its #advertising board was demolished when Japanese and other foreign media reported on it. The #restaurant is decorated with images and slogans of the #DiaoyuIslands, but property management thought the theme was too sensitive and told them to remove the sign. The islands, called the Senkaku Islands by Japan, have been a cause of tensions between the two countries in recent years. Owner of the spicy “Malatang” food restaurant Mr. Lu said he found their restaurant’s electric sign dismantled when he was on arrival to work one day last week. After calling the police, property management admitted immediately it was their doing, reportedly saying “we’re not afraid of whoever you turn to,” according to a report by the Global Times. Lu told local media that the property management had warned him previously to remove the sign from the street, threatening to “cut the electricity and water supply.” According to Lu, management staff told him that the name of the restaurant was “too sensitive” and caused trouble after it was reported by Japanese media and UK newspaper, The Times. The restaurant owner believes that Japanese media had taken photos of the restaurant and might have contacted the management office about it. “I understand that they have pressure, but I didn’t reject any Japanese customers from eating inside… I welcome them to eat here. Meanwhile I want to alert them to my beliefs,” Lu said. Situated at the center of Lu’s restaurant is a bar in the shape of China’s first aircraft carrier “Liaoning”. Photos of J-15 fighter jets are also posted above the bar, together with Chinese national flags. A giant image of the Diaoyu Islands covers one whole wall of the restaurant, and even the celling is covered in information about the islands. But according to Lu, it’s all “just for fun.” He added that many foreigners from the German, British, Saudi Arabian and Turkish embassies had meals in the restaurant, and they think it’s an interesting place.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:00:00 +0000