By Staff
The Associated Press
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (AP) — The mayor of San Leandro, Calif. has suspended the city’s plan to raise China’s flag to mark the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Mayor Stephen Cassidy said Sept. 19 that the city doesn’t fly the flags of other nations at City Hall, and that a “time out” is needed to let residents weigh in on whether that policy should change.
The City Council approved on Sept. 16 a Chinese-American councilman’s proposal to fly China’s flag on Oct. 1, despite opposition from protesters who said raising the flag would signal that the city condones China’s human rights abuses.
The Contra Costa Times reports Councilman Benny Lee wanted to fly the flag as a sign of support for local Chinese residents and to show that the city is open to Chinese investments. (end)