Recently, a Chinese student at Moscow State University in Russia was photographed wearing the Sun Flag during class, which caused controversy online.
October 17th, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of Moscow University issued a statement, which reads as follows:
Recently, a Chinese student from our school’s history department was photographed wearing a flag resembling the Rising Sun during class, and this image has spread online, attracting widespread attention from society.
The Rising Sun flag is a symbolic symbol of Japan's militarist aggression history. It carries the painful memories of the Chinese nation, representing the stains of murder, aggression, and colonization in history. Any public display, de facto glorification, or indifference to this symbol's historical sins is a serious violation of national emotions and a blatant desecration of those who died for their country in history.
After the incident occurred, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of Moscow University (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") attached great importance to it. The progress of the relevant work is reported as follows:
After receiving feedback from students at school, the student union organized personnel to widely understand the opinions of teachers and students, collect and organize relevant videos. They also verified with relevant parties regarding the specific circumstances and events of the incident, ensuring that the facts are clear, the evidence is sufficient, and the information is objective and comprehensive.
Since the incident on October 14th, the representatives of the Student Federation have communicated with the school authorities and administrative staff of various departments both offline and online multiple times. They have reported the situation and expressed their serious concern. On behalf of the Chinese students studying at the school, they have made several requests: The school authorities are requested to investigate the incident thoroughly and to take the nature of the incident seriously. The incident should be handled in accordance with applicable laws and school regulations, and the students' concerns should be addressed in a timely manner. The school authorities have clearly stated that this behavior seriously violates the school's educational philosophy and disrupts the campus teaching order. They have already initiated internal investigation procedures and will announce the outcome in the near future.
The Student Union immediately reported the events, complete evidence, and the progress of communication to the education section of the Chinese Embassy in Russia. We will also cooperate promptly with relevant work based on the subsequent situation. At the same time, we call on overseas students to express their patriotism rationally, protect their own safety, and avoid causing physical conflicts or other aggressive behaviors.
Thanking all sectors of society for their attention and care, this incident involves the extreme and wrongful actions of the involved students. It does not represent the Chinese students at Moscow University at all.
After the incident was exposed, a large number of Chinese students at our school felt deeply indignated and resolutely resisted it. They took the initiative to voice their condemnation of wrongful actions. Remembering history, caring for the country, and adhering to the bottom line are the common understanding and fundamental principles of the vast majority of Chinese students studying overseas. When pursuing education abroad, one must first cultivate virtue and establish oneself before engaging in academic pursuits. We firmly oppose any actions that ignore history, deny national tragedies, or touch on national boundaries.
Next, the Student Union will continue to follow up on the progress of the school's handling with a serious and responsible attitude, and cooperate with the school and the embassy education department in carrying out subsequent work. Once the conclusions of the school's handling are announced, the Student Union will inform all students immediately.
In the face of national dignity, national righteousness, and historical boundaries, there is no room for ambiguity, no room for compromising attitudes.
History has its limits; we must not cross the boundaries. As long as the mountains and rivers remain intact, we must strive for self-improvement.
Moscow University Chinese Students and Scholars Association
October 17, 2026
