A recent incident at the Great Wall of China has sparked widespread outrage and indignation among the Chinese public. Two Japanese tourists, both in their early twenties, were taken into custody by local authorities after engaging in indecent behavior on the historic landmark. The man allegedly exposed his buttocks, while the woman took a photo of the act, prompting security personnel to intervene. As per Chinese law, public exposure of one’s lower body is considered a crime, and the two tourists were detained for two weeks before being deported back to their home country.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese Embassy in China confirmed on January 3 that two Japanese nationals had been detained by local authorities at the Great Wall. The embassy reported that both individuals were released and returned to Japan in January. Although the Japanese Embassy in Beijing has not officially commented on the matter, it is understood that the tourists told the embassy that their actions were intended as a prank.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism on Chinese social media platforms, with the hashtag “Japanese man and woman detained for indecent behavior at the Great Wall of China” garnering over 60 million views on Weibo by Friday morning. Many Chinese netizens have expressed indignation and disgust at the tourists’ behavior, with some using derogatory language to condemn the pair. A few even suggested that China should ban all Japanese tourists from visiting the country.
The incident has also touched on historical sensitivities, evoking memories of Japan’s invasion of China in the 1930s and 1940s. The Great Wall of China, a symbol of national pride and history, is considered a sacred site, and any disrespect towards it is taken seriously by the Chinese people. The deportation of the two tourists has been seen as a necessary measure to maintain the dignity and respect of the site.
The Japanese government has not officially commented on the incident, but the embassy’s confirmation of the tourists’ release and return to Japan has helped to bring the matter to a close. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and laws when traveling abroad. As international travel continues to increase, it is essential for tourists to be aware of and respect the cultural and historical significance of the places they visit.
Source: NDTV