State-sponsored appropriation of Uyghur culture has been labelled “disgusting” and “disrespectful” by those whose families and communities are being persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese Cultural Centre is part of the Chinese state’s united front apparatus. Facebook Wellington Mayor Andy Foster is the latest New Zealand politician to be used as a propaganda tool in China's campaign against Uyghur Muslims. The photo of Foster with the dancers was published in the local Chinese-language newspaper Homevoice, and on the China Cultural Centre’s Facebook page. Politicians should avoid events like that held at Te Papa last year, and the China Cultural Centre performance in Wellington this year, she said.

Source: Stuff February 26, 2021 01:52 UTC