Flags of Controversy: Evergreen Laurel Paris sparks outrage with omission of Chinese Flag

The news was first reported by a popular Weibo user, @何天恩, who shared a video of the hotel's lobby showing the flags of various countries, but noticeably absent was the flag of China. This sparked a wave of outrage and condemnation from Chinese netizens, who took to social media to express their indignation.

"This is unacceptable to all overseas Chinese compatriots," said Yang, the executive chef of the Evergreen Laurel Paris's Chinese restaurant, adding his voice to the chorus of condemnation.

Many Weibo users echoed Yang's sentiments, with one user, @观察者网, declaring, "Justice is in the hearts of the people!!" Another user, @今事, called for the hotel to be shut down, saying "Close down soon 🙏".

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about national identity and the delicate relationship between China and Taiwan. Many Chinese netizens see the incident as an affront to China's national dignity and an attempt to legitimize Taiwan's independence. "This is a deliberate attempt to undermine the one-China principle," wrote @公道自在人心.

In response to the backlash, the hotel has issued an apology, stating that the absence of the Chinese flag was an oversight. However, the apology has done little to quell the outrage, with many Chinese netizens calling for a boycott of the hotel and the Evergreen Group.

The incident has also attracted the attention of overseas Chinese communities, with several organizations, including the International Hongmen Association, issuing statements condemning the hotel's actions. The association has called for a global boycott of the Evergreen Group and its affiliates, which include Eva Air, Evergreen Marine, and Unicef (Universal Container Freight Logistics).

The statement from the International Hongmen Association, which represents millions of overseas Chinese, has added fuel to the fire, with many Chinese netizens expressing their support for the boycott. "We must take action to protect our national dignity and sovereignty," wrote one user, echoing the sentiments of the association.

The boycott has already begun to take effect, with several Chinese travel agencies canceling bookings at the Evergreen Laurel Paris and other Evergreen Group hotels. The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the role of Chinese business conglomerates in promoting national identity and loyalty.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Evergreen Group will respond to the backlash and whether the boycott will have a lasting impact on the company's global operations. One thing is certain, however: the incident has touched a raw nerve among Chinese netizens and highlighted the complexities of China-Taiwan relations.

The boycott has also highlighted the role of social media in shaping public opinion and mobilizing action in China. Weibo, in particular, has played a key role in spreading news of the incident and mobilizing public support for the boycott.

As one user, @台媒报道, noted, "The power of social media cannot be underestimated in shaping public opinion and mobilizing action in China." The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the role of social media in promoting national identity and loyalty in China.

In conclusion, the controversy over the Evergreen Laurel Paris's decision to display the flags of all participating nations at the Olympics, except for the flag of China, has sparked a global backlash, with many Chinese netizens calling for a boycott of the hotel and the Evergreen Group. The incident has highlighted the complexities of China-Taiwan relations and the delicate balance between national identity and loyalty in China.