China says it takes Kylian Mbappé's apology seriously

China has stated that it takes French football star Kylian Mbappé's apology over comments that appeared to joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong "seriously."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a regular press briefing on Thursday, "We take the apology offered by the individual concerned seriously," according to Al Arabiya.

China erupted in anger at Mbappé following his remarks on the program "The Bridge," where he jokingly referenced a viral meme showing his face superimposed on a figure he described as the Chinese "dictator," referring to Mao Zedong.

Several Chinese companies announced the termination of their advertising contracts with the player, including Dongpeng Group, one of China's largest beverage firms, and Mengniu, a multinational dairy company.

The controversy took on a political dimension, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry issuing a statement condemning the remarks, despite Mbappé's own statement apologizing for the incident.