Zuckerberg runs into trouble as he takes a jog through the smog in Beijing

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been jogging through smog-shrouded Beijing … and ran straight into a storm of abuse. The billionaire posted a photograph as his team made their way through Tiananmen Square as part of his Year of Running project. But Chinese social media was soon ablaze with comments berating the group for not wearing masks on a day when the smog was at danger levels. Other commenters also reminded him that the square was where hundreds of student protesters were killed in 1989.

The floor you stepped has been covered by blood from students who fought for democracy. But, enjoy your running in China, Mark. :)

Facebook user Cao Yuzhou

Mr Zuckerberg, who is in the city for an economic forum, is a favourite personality among the Chinese public, despite Facebook being banned. The photo, with the famous gate to the Forbidden City imperial palace in the background, was taken as part of his pledge to run at least a mile a day this year. But commenters said he appeared to be trying to appease the authorities by not wearing a mask. “Kissing up?” commented Tom Wang, a Chinese environmentalist, who reposted Mr Zuckerberg’s running photo and added a graphic of Beijing’s grisly air quality readings from Friday morning.

Mark, don’t u see the air pollution? Stop running outside! Beijing is my home, but I’m not recommending you run outside.

Facebook user Christina Tan

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