Chinese choose chocolates from Russia to show support
The online shop front of the ‘Russian State Pavilion’ store displayed many sold out signs on products including chocolate wafers
03 March 2022 - 10:50
by Agency Staff
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Workers from Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com prepare parcels for delivery at the company's main logistics hub. Picture: GETTY IMAGES/KEVIN FRAYER
Beijing — A Russian-run online store on Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com thanked Chinese shoppers for their support after it sold out of most items including chocolate and fabric softener, saying it showed the country's friendship in “difficult” times.
The online shop front of the “Russian State Pavilion” store, which says it is endorsed by the Russian Embassy to China, displayed multiple sold out signs on products ranging from KDV candies to chocolate wafers. It also offered presales for St Petersburg vodka, at 528 yuan ($83.57) for six bottles.
“Dear Chinese friends, thank you for your support to Russia and Russia State Pavilion at this difficult time,” said a man identifying himself as Sergey Batsev, a representative from non-profit organisation Business Russia in a short video posted to the online store.
“We see the friendship of old Chinese friends under this complicated and constantly changing international situation.”
Local media reported that the video was posted on Wednesday and the shop had seen a sudden surge in followers, from less than 100,000 on Wednesday morning to over 1-million by Thursday afternoon.
The store's customer service declined to answer further queries. JD.com did not immediately respond to queries sent by Reuters.
China has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine or to call it an invasion, and has repeatedly called for a negotiated solution. Chinese social media users have overwhelmingly favoured Russia's position in the conflict, with many blaming Nato expansion.
On Alibaba's Taobao marketplace, another popular e-commerce platform, some buyers of Russian chocolates left comments saying they had made their purchase in support of Russia.
“Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah! Russia, add oil!” said one, using a popular Chinese expression of encouragement. “[I] hope people will buy more Russian products, supporting Russia is the same as supporting ourselves.”
While not as common, there were also offline signs of people's views on the war. On Wednesday, a billboard hung outside the wall of the Canadian embassy in Beijing which said “We are with Ukraine” was defaced with a message in red paint critical of Nato.
The Canadian embassy referred a query to Ottawa, which did not immediately respond. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
But there were also some online shows of support for Ukrainian goods. One customer of chocolate made by Ukrainian confectionery firm Roshen, left a comment urging support for Ukraine. “The Ukrainians will win!”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Chinese choose chocolates from Russia to show support
The online shop front of the ‘Russian State Pavilion’ store displayed many sold out signs on products including chocolate wafers
Beijing — A Russian-run online store on Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com thanked Chinese shoppers for their support after it sold out of most items including chocolate and fabric softener, saying it showed the country's friendship in “difficult” times.
The online shop front of the “Russian State Pavilion” store, which says it is endorsed by the Russian Embassy to China, displayed multiple sold out signs on products ranging from KDV candies to chocolate wafers. It also offered presales for St Petersburg vodka, at 528 yuan ($83.57) for six bottles.
“Dear Chinese friends, thank you for your support to Russia and Russia State Pavilion at this difficult time,” said a man identifying himself as Sergey Batsev, a representative from non-profit organisation Business Russia in a short video posted to the online store.
“We see the friendship of old Chinese friends under this complicated and constantly changing international situation.”
Local media reported that the video was posted on Wednesday and the shop had seen a sudden surge in followers, from less than 100,000 on Wednesday morning to over 1-million by Thursday afternoon.
The store's customer service declined to answer further queries. JD.com did not immediately respond to queries sent by Reuters.
China has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine or to call it an invasion, and has repeatedly called for a negotiated solution. Chinese social media users have overwhelmingly favoured Russia's position in the conflict, with many blaming Nato expansion.
On Alibaba's Taobao marketplace, another popular e-commerce platform, some buyers of Russian chocolates left comments saying they had made their purchase in support of Russia.
“Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah! Russia, add oil!” said one, using a popular Chinese expression of encouragement. “[I] hope people will buy more Russian products, supporting Russia is the same as supporting ourselves.”
While not as common, there were also offline signs of people's views on the war. On Wednesday, a billboard hung outside the wall of the Canadian embassy in Beijing which said “We are with Ukraine” was defaced with a message in red paint critical of Nato.
The Canadian embassy referred a query to Ottawa, which did not immediately respond. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
But there were also some online shows of support for Ukrainian goods. One customer of chocolate made by Ukrainian confectionery firm Roshen, left a comment urging support for Ukraine. “The Ukrainians will win!”
Reuters
Russia puts the brakes on investor exodus as assets crash
Russia captures port city as Ukraine invasion gains traction in south
Shipping giants MSC and Maersk suspend deliveries to Russia
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Russia sanctions ‘may be more damaging to US’, says China
China will not impose sanctions on Russia, banking regulator says
Prosus investors still more worried about China despite Russia exposure
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.