The Chinese smartphone maker OPPO, which is picking up momentum in South Asian market, especially in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is under a lot of fire in the Indian market.

Since the last couple of years OPPO has invested heavily in the Indian market by spending millions of dollars in advertising and setting up manufacturing plants. This investment also pays for the marketing and support in Pakistan, since both countries share a similar way of life.

OPPO Under Fire in India for Disrespecting National Flag:

However, OPPO’s plans to dominate the Indian market are in danger since one of OPPO’s Chinese Manager, allegedly tore the national flag “Tiranga” and threw it in a dustbin.

It is not clear at the moment what his intentions were, but the Indian people working at the OPPO’s Noida plant in India didn’t like this action and started a massive protest against the Chinese smartphone company all over India.

OPPO officials said the operations at the facility are on halt and the “situation will be assessed”, no decision has as yet been taken on restarting production. While the Chinese employee has been sacked already, police registered a case against the employee and he might not be able to leave the country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang said that his government always asks its Chinese enterprises and staff overseas to abide by local laws, regulations and respect local practices and customs. He further said that the issue will be resolved properly.

Indian state officials have told media that it is obvious that national symbols should be respected, everywhere in the world. Anyone disrespecting them would be given punishments according to the law.

OPPO Flag controversy could have turned into India vs China fight since Chinese government demanded safety of their firms and certain Chinese media, and their citizens started making sarcastic comments on the incident.

OPPO India Apologizes for this Incident:

However, OPPO India quickly accessed the situation and issued a statement; OPPO regrets this unfortunate incident and reaffirms that this is an individual’s behaviour that in no way represents our company’s position. We have zero tolerance for such matters and have taken strict action in terminating the individual and continue working very closely with the authorities on the matter.