Lunar New Year: Chinese TV gala includes 'racist blackface' sketch

A skit on China's biggest Lunar New Year TV show has sparked widespread criticism and accusations of racism.

In a comedy routine celebrating Chinese-African ties an Asian actress appears in blackface and with exaggerated buttocks.

Using make-up to lampoon black people - a practice known as blackface - is seen by many as deeply offensive.

The annual state media variety show is hugely popular, and has up to 800 million viewers.

Some observers have pointed out that this sketch would not have been intended as offensive to African

However, this is not the first time Chinese entertainment shows have caused controversy with their portrayals of other ethnicities.