"Celebrating Abe's Death, 1+1 Milk Tea for 3 Days"…Banners Hung by Chinese Shops

Mention of the '7·7 Incident' and a Banner Offering 'Additional Beer'
Overseas Netizens React "Crossed the Line"
"What If a Politician Worshipped Nazis?" Rebuttal Also Raised

A banner reading "Buy one milk tea, get one free for 3 days" is hanging at a restaurant in China. Photo by Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] Following the shooting and death of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on the 8th, some stores in China have been hanging banners saying "Celebrating Abe's death" and holding discount events, drawing criticism from overseas netizens.

On the 10th, photos of Chinese stores displaying discount banners after the death of former Prime Minister Abe were repeatedly posted on social media platforms such as Twitter. The banners read, "Celebrating Abe's death" and "Buy one milk tea and get one free for three days."

Another restaurant mentioned the death of former Prime Minister Abe on its banner and announced a "40% discount for all customers over the weekend for three days," while a restaurant that referenced the '7.7 Incident,' which triggered the Second Sino-Japanese War, and Abe's death, displayed a banner stating "Offering additional beer to all customers."

As these photos were translated into Japanese and spread online, Japanese netizens reacted strongly. Overseas netizens also responded with comments such as "Speechless. Amazing China," and "They have crossed the line."

On the other hand, some argue that such reactions from Chinese people are understandable. One netizen wrote, "If a politician who admired Hitler and denied World War II were suddenly assassinated, how would Europeans react?"

Another netizen said, "Imagine if the German Chancellor denied World War II and worshipped the Nazis. Could the French or Polish people criticize celebrating his assassination?"

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a personal condolence message to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to mourn former Prime Minister Abe.

The previous day, China Central Television (CCTV) reported, "President Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolences over the sudden death of former Prime Minister Abe and extended sympathy to his bereaved family."

In the condolence message, President Xi stated, "Former Prime Minister Abe made efforts to improve China-Japan relations during his tenure and made beneficial contributions. I also once reached an important consensus with him on building China-Japan relations suited to the demands of a new era. I feel deep sorrow over his sudden death."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.