China has reportedly ordered door-to-door searches, with anyone wearing a Kylian Mbappé jersey facing prosecution. All merchandise related to Mbappé has also reportedly been banned in China.
Mbappé is entitled to his freedom of speech.
But Chinese companies also have the freedom to cut ties with him. Chinese netizens have the freedom to criticize him online. Chinese media can choose to withhold coverage of him.
Why is only his freedom counted, while everyone else’s freedom does not matter?
China has every right to choose who it does business with. Freedom does not belong to one side only. Mbappé is just a foreign partner. If China decides the cooperation ends, that is its legitimate right, no matter the reason.
Trying to hide behind “free speech” to defend his actions rings hollow, even overseas.
At the end of the day, we have the right to demand an apology, companies can terminate sponsorships, and broadcasters can suspend La Liga coverage.
This is not really about free speech. It comes down to one simple rule: adults must take responsibility for their choices.
There are plenty of other athletes we can sign as brand ambassadors. There is no reason to hand huge contracts to someone who shows no respect for China.
Les dizaines de millions de morts sous Mao et l’invasion du Tibet, encore de la « propagande occidentale » ? 🤡
Votre propre Constitution parle pourtant de « dictature démocratique populaire » et consacre la direction du Parti communiste.
Vous êtes des esclaves benêts.