China Tries to Put Sweden on Ice

[Disir]

“We treat our friends with fine wine,” said the man in black suit from his armchair, adding, “but for our enemies we got shotguns.” This is not a line from the latest blockbuster gangster movie, but a message from China’s ambassador to Sweden, speaking directly to Swedish public radio.

The above line is only one of several threats Ambassador Gui Congyou has been busy issuing since Swedish PEN announced in early November that kidnapped Swedish publisher Gui Minhai will receive the Tucholsky Prize — an annual award to writers and publicists living under threat or in exile — this year.

A couple of days later, the Chinese embassy branded the nomination as a farce in a statement on its website, demanding that Swedish PEN withdraw the prize or face consequences. That statement was later taken down and replaced with a much longer and more assertive text on November 14, the day before the award ceremony was to be held. Some people, the ambassador commented, “shouldn’t feel at ease” after hurting Chinese interests.
China Tries to Put Sweden on Ice

How can one notify another of an award when that individual is in a prison in China?

 

[Toro]

I hope Sweden stands up to these bullies.

 

[depotoo]

Just China being China.

 

[Toddsterpatriot]

“We treat our friends with fine wine,” said the man in black suit from his armchair, adding, “but for our enemies we got shotguns.” This is not a line from the latest blockbuster gangster movie, but a message from China’s ambassador to Sweden, speaking directly to Swedish public radio.

The above line is only one of several threats Ambassador Gui Congyou has been busy issuing since Swedish PEN announced in early November that kidnapped Swedish publisher Gui Minhai will receive the Tucholsky Prize — an annual award to writers and publicists living under threat or in exile — this year.

A couple of days later, the Chinese embassy branded the nomination as a farce in a statement on its website, demanding that Swedish PEN withdraw the prize or face consequences. That statement was later taken down and replaced with a much longer and more assertive text on November 14, the day before the award ceremony was to be held. Some people, the ambassador commented, “shouldn’t feel at ease” after hurting Chinese interests.
China Tries to Put Sweden on Ice

How can one notify another of an award when that individual is in a prison in China?

The Soviets didn't like it either when we put a spotlight on their political prisoners.

 

[Bleipriester]

So they kill you anyway. Maybe you should try the fine wine that is for friends but that would not ensure your death will be less enduring and painful.

 

[ThirdTerm]

China is Sweden's eighth largest trading partner, behind the United Kingdom and ahead of France. We need to put more pressure on Communist China by supporting dissidents like him. Sweden is doing the right thing.

 

[Tijn Von Ingersleben]

I hope Sweden stands up to these bullies.

Spineless does not come close to describing modern Sweden.

 

[TheParser]

China does not have to worry about punishing Sweden.

From what I read in the media, Sweden is doing an excellent job in punishing itself.