Mercedes-Benz apologises in China for quoting Dalai Lama abroad

A spokeswoman for Mercedes’ parent company, Daimler AG, said it acted at its own initiative.

Mercedes-Benz has apologized in China for quoting the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader who is reviled by Beijing, in a social media post abroad in a reflection of foreign companies’ heightened sensitivity to the Communist government’s possible reaction to their activities worldwide.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets schools students at an event AT Kalachakara ground in Bodhgaya on January 25, 2018. (AFP)

The quote appeared on Instagram, access to which is blocked by China’s internet filters. Chinese web surfers copied it onto domestic social media.

In a statement, Mercedes-Benz apologized Tuesday for “wrong information” that “hurt the feelings of Chinese people.”

A spokeswoman for Mercedes’ parent company, Daimler AG, said it acted at its own initiative and had not heard from Chinese authorities.

Last month, Beijing ordered Marriott, Zara and other companies to apologize for calling Taiwan and Hong Kong countries on websites or promotional material.