The lying depths to which the ChiComs will sink are amazing! The CCP must be destroyed! #SmashTheCCP
From Forbes
By Siladitya Ray
TOPLINE
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an apology from the Chinese government on Monday after the country’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian tweeted a digitally altered image of an Australian soldier cutting the throat of an Afghan child and cited alleged war crimes, highlighting the latest escalation in deteriorating diplomatic ties between both nations.
KEY FACTS
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Morrison said that the tweet was “deeply offensive to every Australian,” including those who have served in uniform, adding that the Chinese government should be “utterly ashamed” of the post.
Early on Monday morning, China’s Zhao had tweeted from his official account that Beijing was “shocked by murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers,” — referencing an Australian defense inquiry report that found evidence of unlawful killings of Afghans by Australian soldiers.
Most of the anger in Australia has been directed at a doctored image featured in Zhao’s tweet that depicts an Australian soldier cutting the throat of a young Afghan holding a sheep with the text “Don’t be afraid, we are coming to bring you peace!”
CHIEF CRITIC
Morrison’s call for an apology was quickly dismissed by Beijing. Hua Chunying, the director of the Chinese foreign ministry’s department of information told the media: “The Australian side is reacting so strongly to my colleague’s tweet — Does this mean they think the cruel killing of Afghan lives is justified? Afghan lives matter ... shouldn’t the Australian soldiers feel ashamed?”
TANGENT
Hua’s comments were based on the findings of the Brereton report, released earlier this month, that found “credible evidence” of unlawful killings of 39 people — including prisoners and civilians — by 25 members of the Australian special forces operating in Afghanistan. Prior to the release of the report, Morrison called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to “express his deepest sorrow” over the alleged war crimes. The chief of the Australian military, General Angus Campbell, also “sincerely and unreservedly” apologized to the people of Afghanistan, while releasing the report.
KEY BACKGROUND
Diplomatic ties between Australia and China have nosedived in 2020, following the Covid-19 pandemic. In April, Australia called for an independent international inquiry into the origins and handling of Covid-19 — a move which angered the Chinese government who saw it as a move targeted at them. Beijing hit back with sanctions targeting billions of dollars worth of Australian exports to China. The Australian prime minister had reacted to the trade restrictions by stating that Australia would stand up for its values and not succumb to economic pressure. Official talks between both nations have remained frozen since April and Chinese officials have warned that they won’t resume talks with Canberra until it stops treating Beijing as a strategic threat.
FURTHER READING
China rejects Australian PM's call to apologise for 'repugnant' tweet with fake image of soldier (Guardian)
Australia faces down China in high-stakes strategy (Reuters)
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