China is cranking up its war of words over Taiwan: It just slapped an iconic Japanese retailer with a $30,000 fine for describing it as a country

pulse

May 24, 2018 8:17 AM

China fined Japanese retailer Muji $31,280 for describing Taiwan as a country. Taiwan was listed as the "country of origin" on the packaging for 119 clothes hangers last year. Marriott, Zara, and numerous airlines have been targeted in Beijing's crusade to have Taiwan labeled as a province of China.

China fined the Japanese retailer Muji $31,280 for describing Taiwan as a country.
Taiwan was listed as the "country of origin" on the packaging for 119 clothes hangers last year.
This is the most serious action from China in the country's escalating war of words over how Taiwan is officially recognized. Beijing considers it to be a province of China, not an independent country.
So far this year, China has ordered Marriott to shut its website for a week for listing Taiwan as a country, and a number of airlines have kowtowed to China's description of Taiwan.