China cancels EU leader's speech 'critical' of Russia

In a seeming attempt to assert its support for Russia, Chinese authorities dropped 'anti Russia speech' of European Council president at a trade expo in Shanghai last week.

The Guardian quoted European diplomats who claimed that pre-recorded speech by European Council President Charles Michel on the opening of China's International Import Expo was removed because it was heavily critical of Russia's 'illegal invasion of Ukraine.

A spokesperson from European council said the speech was ultimately not shown, and there was no further communication from the Chinese authorites over the turn of events.

Several other world leaders and heads of international bodies had spoken at the event.

Meanwhile, Chinese authories and trade expo organizers are yet to speak on the matter.

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