China in talks with LaLiga over Mbappé comments, seeks time to "digest" row

China's ambassador says his government is in communications with LaLiga and Real Madrid over Mbappé's meme comments, but needs time to resolve the diplomatic row.

China's ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, said Friday that his government is in communications with LaLiga, Real Madrid and other Spanish institutions to address what he called the "unfortunate accident" of Kylian Mbappé's remarks about a meme featuring a Chinese leader's face. The ambassador stressed there are no formal negotiations, only dialogue based on mutual understanding, and asked for time for China to "digest" comments that have caused pain in the country.

Mbappé's original statement about one of his favourite memes showing his face over that of a "Chinese dictator" sparked a major diplomatic row. Both Real Madrid and the player have since apologised, but Chinese state broadcaster CCTV suspended LaLiga transmissions last week in response. The broadcaster confirmed receiving the club's apology, as did the Chinese ambassador on Thursday, though no date has been set for broadcasts to resume.

Xie Tianyu, an attaché at the Chinese embassy in Spain, echoed the ambassador's call for patience, noting that the Chinese people need time to process the situation and that Real Madrid has long enjoyed significant support and affection in China.