The Chinese Ambassador has been invited to visit Brent following an outcry over racist advice printed in his national airline’s in-flight magazine.
Last week Air China came under fire after it urged visitors to take precautions when “entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people”.
It went on to say “we advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when traveling.”
Navin Shah, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, hopes Liu Xiaoming will accept his invitation so he can see the borough is a welcoming environment for Chinese tourists.
Mr Shah has written to Mr Xiamoing and also requested Air China prints a corrective article which promotes the diverse parts of London.
He said: “I have invited the Ambassador in order to demonstrate that we are warm, friendly and welcoming people, and there is nothing to fear.
“I am sure that the hurtful and offensive comments in the magazine do not represent the views of the Chinese government or people, and I am sure the Chinese community here will be horrified by this story.
“Brent has large Black and Pakistani communities. These communities should be celebrated for their contributions, and making Brent such a vibrant place to live.
“I hope the ambassador takes up my invitation and enjoys the wonderful retail opportunities, and especially the mouthwatering food we have to offer.”
The airline has since apologised and withdrawn the magazine.
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