China and Real Madrid Open Talks to Resolve Kylian Mbappe Broadcast Dispute
China and Real Madrid are working to ease tensions following controversy over Kylian Mbappe's remarks about Mao Zedong, as diplomatic channels reopen to restore broadcasts.
Diplomatic and sports channels are gradually reopening between China and Real Madrid, just over a week after the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe's remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Speaking to the EFE news agency on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing announced that his government is actively communicating with La Liga, Real Madrid, and other Spanish sports institutions to ease growing tensions. "There are no negotiations, but rather communication based on mutual understanding," the diplomat stated, addressing the crisis that resulted in Real Madrid matches being blocked on Chinese television channels.
Ambassador Yao acknowledged that the regrettable incident deeply hurt many people in China, expressing confidence that the matter will be resolved through respectful dialogue. Meanwhile, embassy attaché Xie Tianyu noted that the Chinese public simply needs time to digest the situation, despite apologies issued by both Mbappe and the club.
As the diplomatic outreach continues, La Liga President Javier Tebas confirmed on Monday that he is maintaining direct contact with authorities in both Madrid and Beijing. Tebas stressed that officials are doing everything possible to restore full broadcast schedules and return the situation to normal across all Chinese media platforms.
