China has notified foreign embassies and international organisations not to exhibit “politicised propaganda” on their buildings, an instruction diplomats say is aimed at missions that have displayed Ukrainian flags since Russia’s invasion.

Several foreign missions in China raised the Ukrainian flag, or displayed its image in posters and lights, following the February 2022 invasion that sparked international condemnation of Russia, a close ally of China.

“Do not use the building facilities’ exterior walls to display politicised propaganda to avoid inciting disputes between countries,” China’s foreign ministry said in a notification dated May 10.