'Corporate capitulation': Mercedes chided for China apology

WASHINGTON (AP) - Two Republican lawmakers are lashing out at Mercedes-Benz for apologizing in China for quoting Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in a social media post.

Sen. Marco Rubio complained that many companies "are increasingly prepared to toe Beijing's line." Rep. Chris Smith called it "corporate capitulation."

Last week, Mercedes-Benz issued an apology in China after a Dalai Lama quote - "Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open" - appeared on its Instagram account. The auto company apologized for "wrong information" that "hurt the feelings of Chinese people."

The two lawmakers were speaking Wednesday at a congressional panel on Tibet.

Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to split Tibet from China. He says he only wants autonomy and to protect the region's distinctive Buddhist culture.