Mao: the lesson from Mbappé

The reaction of the Chinese government to Kylian Mbappé's comment about Mao Zedong highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical figures in China. Mbappé's innocent remark about a meme depicting him as a dictator sparked outrage, leading to financial threats against him and La Liga. Chinese companies withdrew sponsorships, and state media suspended broadcasts of the league. This incident reflects the Chinese Communist Party's control over narratives regarding Mao, who is viewed as a liberator rather than a dictator. The article critiques the double standards in how historical figures are perceived, particularly in leftist ideologies, and warns against the suppression of free speech in China.