China Asked to Remove Lion Statues in Svalbard
China has been a tenant in Ny-Ålesund for 20 years, and the lions have guarded the entrance just as long. (Photo: Sphinx Public Domain)
Norwegian authorities require the lion sculptures that guard the entrance to China's research station in Ny-Ålesund in Svalbard to be removed.
For over 20 years, two lions have guarded China's research station, Yellow River Station, in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.
According to Chinese culture, the fearsome lions signify strength and protection. However, the state company Kings Bay, which owns most of the buildings in Ny-Ålesund, will no longer accept the decoration, writes Svalbardposten.
"The Chinese are tenants with us. We trust that they will follow our instructions," says Director Lars Ole Saugnes of Kings Bay to the newspaper.
According to the newspaper, the company wants the Chinese polar research institute to keep a lower profile and tone down the visual expression at the entrance.
The Chinese have therefore been asked to remove the lions and a sign reading "Yellow River Station" by the building's entrance. The changes are a part of a new sign plan which will apply to all buildings rented by foreigners in Ny-Ålesund.
Last summer, a cruise ship docked in Ny-Ålesund. On board were 183 Chinese people, who arrived with flags and banners to mark the 20th anniversary of Chinese research in Svalbard. Among them was a woman dressed in a military uniform.
The case had diplomatic repercussions, and according to NRK, the Chinese embassy was called in for a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As far as Svalbardposten understands, both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice have been informed of the new order.
