empire state building's tribute to china draws protest

As a Mao statue draws protests at the Nixon Library, across the country, the Empire State Building is drawing protest for its tribute to communist China's 60th anniversary: Empire State Building lit for China, drawing ire.

The iconic building is routinely lit with different colors to mark holidays and big events, and on Wednesday it was lit with the red and yellow lights of China's flag. Critics called it "blatant approval" of totalitarianism, particularly in light of China's poor human rights record.

About 20 supporters of Tibet protested outside the building during a ceremonial lighting of a scale model inside the lobby, holding signs chanting "No to China's empire; free Tibet now." More here: A Red and Yellow Glow for Celebration, and for Protest.