(Photo/Guancha.cn)

Some 30 Chinese staged a protest on Nov. 27 in the Canadian city of Richmond. The demonstration was intended as a statement against flyers and posters that were deemed discriminatory against local Chinese.

The protesters gathered in silence at Brighouse Station, holding Canadian national flags and banners that read “Safety for Everybody” or “Peace for our Community." The group said they wanted to increase public awareness of racial discrimination through the silent protest. They also stressed that different races should enjoy equal rights in Canada.

The protest was mainly in response to posters and flyers circulating Richmond since Nov. 17, which feature a drawing of Chinese basketball star Yao Ming and the Chinese national flag’s five-star pattern, along a caption in bold font that reads “Step Aside Whitey! The CHINESE are taking over!”

“…So you can now enjoy the ‘privilege’ of being marginalized in the community your forefathers built, have neighbours who refuse to speak your language, and not be able to afford a home!” the caption added.

(File photo)

According to The Huffington Post, the people responsible for the posters have not yet been identified, though local officials are investigating the incident, according to Cpl. Dennis Hwang of the Richmond Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“Richmond is known as an inclusive and harmonious community where all cultures feel welcome … The views expressed in the flyer are misguided and shameful,” Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said in a statement provided to The Huffington Post.

Linda Leid, speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, was also present at the protest, along with several other Canadian politicians. Leid said the incident was not in line with Richmond's values, nor did it represent Canada, where everyone should live comfortably as a community, Haiwainet.cn reported.