Bulgari apologizes to China for listing Taiwan as a country after online backlash

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Bulgari has become the latest international brand to apologize to China after listing Taiwan as a country on its website. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, and both the government and Chinese internet users have a history of scolding or boycotting international brands that have referred to Taiwan as a separate country. Late Tuesday, Bulgari posted an apology on Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, saying it “steadfastly and always” respected China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Several Chinese state-run publications joined in the demand that Bulgari apologize on its international platforms as well. “Bulgari made a mistake on its overseas official website but only issued an apology on its mainland China account,” read a commentary by China Daily.