Photo: Screenshot from Sina Weibo

A popular Singaporean restaurant franchise in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, has suspended operation and a police investigation of its publicity video is underway. The video listed China's Taiwan island as a "country." 

A photo recently circulated online shows the restaurant Ya Kun Kaya Toast listed Taiwan island alongside China, South Korea and Japan in its publicity video played in the restaurant. 

A customer service of the Golden Eagle shopping mall where the restaurant is located told the Global Times on Wednesday that the restaurant has been closed and operation suspended. Its reopening time is unknown. 

According to the local market watchdog, an investigation into the restaurant was launched on Monday for the suspicion of violating advertising laws. The person in charge of the restaurant is also under investigation. 

The restaurant, headquartered in Singapore, is famous for its coffee and bread. The chain claims to have more than 40 restaurants in over 10 countries. 

Other franchises of the restaurant in Nanjing denied that they had played a similar publicity video at their stores, according to media reports. 

Global Times