Adding to the long list of labels saying sorry to China, Dior has apologised to the East Asian nation over a map used of the country which excluded Taiwan.
According to Reuters, a Dior representative was presenting about the house’s boutiques at the Zhejiang Gongshang University in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. The map was shown as part of the presentation, which then appeared on the Chinese social media site Weibo, after a student pointed out Taiwan’s exclusion in the slideshow.
The status of Taiwan has been politically contested since the island – which has its own government – claimed independence from China nearly 70 years ago. China has long since asserted Taiwan as one of its territories.
Versace, Givenchy, and Coach have all had to apologise to China for their undermining of Chinese territories. The fashion labels created t-shirts which listed the likes of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau as separate countries, which ignited an angry online backlash.
In an apology written on Weibo (published on Reuters), Dior has said it will be investigating the issue.
“Dior first extends our deep apologies for the incorrect statement and misrepresentation made by a Dior staff member at a campus presentation,” the company said. “Dior always respects and upholds the one-China principle, strictly safeguards China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and treasures the feelings of the Chinese people,” it continued, claiming it would take precautions to prevent similar incidents from happening.