Muji was recently fined by Shanghai authorities after importing a batch of coat hangers wrapped in packaging that described Taiwan as a country.
One of Japan’s most iconic retailers has run into trouble in China over the politically sensitive issue of Taiwan.
Muji — which is known for its household goods, clothes and stationery — was recently fined 200,000 yuan (about $31,000) by Shanghai authorities after officials discovered the company had imported a batch of coat hangers wrapped in packaging that described Taiwan as a country.
Labels on the packaging said « Country of Origin: Taiwan » in Chinese, according to the Shanghai Administration for Industry and Commerce. China considers self-governed Taiwan to be part of its territory and has stepped up efforts in recent months to make international companies follow its line.
Muji was found to have failed to inspect the packaging properly and therefore was deemed guilty of impairing China’s national « dignity or interests » in its advertising, the Shanghai authorities said.
The notice announcing Muji’s punishment was dated March 22, but Chinese media first reported it this week.
