EU official sorry for insulting Chinese
Print Edition
EU Commissioner Guenther Oettinger has apologized for derogatory remarks about Chinese people, whom he dubbed “slitty eyes” in a speech last month.
“I can now see that the words I used have created bad feelings and may even have hurt people. This was not my intention and I would like to apologize for any remark that was not as respectful as it should have been,” Oettinger said in a statement.
China said his remarks had revealed “a baffling sense of superiority entrenched in some Western politicians.”
A video posted online showed Oettinger addressing a business audience using the words “slitty eyes” and “chiselers” to refer to Chinese people.
Oettinger went on to make disparaging remarks about women, gay marriage and Belgian politicians.
In his statement, he did not refer to any specific remarks.
“I have great respect for the dynamics of the Chinese economy — China is a partner and a tough competitor,” he said.
Oettinger also said he regretted that remarks about Belgian region Wallonia, which held up the signing of an EU-Canada trade deal, had been misquoted.
He said Wallonia was an important European region historically, and actively contributed to Europe’s cultural and political diversity.
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