Chinese media criticizes Jacinda Ardern’s support for Australia

First it was a war of words with Australia, now a media organization in China has targeted New Zealand and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The Global Times, which is often seen as a spokesman for the Chinese Communist Party, has suggested that New Zealand is “like bleating sheep” in backing Australia after a Beijing official published a doctored image of an Australian soldier harming Australia. an Afghan boy, news.com .au reported.

He also suggested that Ardern was effectively coerced into supporting Australia.

On Tuesday, Ardern voiced the government’s concerns with Chinese authorities over the tweet sent by Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

The image, which was computer-generated, was produced after the Brereton Report alleged that Australian soldiers committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the tweet was “disgusting” and demanded an apology.

Ardern said New Zealand supports Canberra’s position.

“This is an image that was not factual. It was not correct. So, in keeping with our principled position using images like that, we will raise those concerns and do so directly,” he said Tuesday. .

Arden’s criticism was notably quieter than Morrison’s.

In response, the Global Times published an editorial denouncing New Zealand, stating that “Kiwis balance like Australian sheep but do not condemn the Afghan killings.”

Echoing comments from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the article admitted that the image in the tweet was false, but justified it by saying it was “based” on accusations of incidents involving Australian soldiers.

“The back-to-back moves by Canberra and Wellington to describe the cartoon as ‘false’ or ‘non-factual’ are actually trying to divert people’s attention from the brutality of Australian troops against Afghan civilians,” he said.

The article claimed that Ardern was effectively forced to make the statement due to the closeness of the transtasman relationships.

“Arden’s statement has nothing to do with being wise or reckless; it is something she has to say.”

Several other countries have also backed Australia, including the United States.

Incoming national security adviser in the Joe Biden Administration, Jake Sullivan, praised Australia today.

“The Australian people have made great sacrifices to protect freedom and democracy around the world,” he tweeted.

“As we have done for a century, the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with our ally Australia and unite other democracies to advance our security, prosperity and shared values.”

The Global Times noted the “restraint” in Arden’s language, but criticized her for a “double standard,” reported news.com.au.

“Ardern has shown that New Zealand will not stop playing double standards that the West uses so often. This is also part of so-called Western values: the freedom to be hypocritical.”

The article came close to accusing Ardern of racism, saying: “Western politicians … do not accept the idea that other races are on an equal footing with them.”

China and Australia have been embroiled in an increasingly intense trade war. New Zealand still has to face trade difficulties.

The editorial could be seen as a warning to New Zealand that more criticism could come.

On Tuesday, the Global Times called Australia “evil” and said Morrison’s demand for an apology was “shameless.”

He warned that Australian warships should not approach China’s coastal waters or the Australian Navy “will swallow the bitter pills.”

He also claimed that China meant no ill will to anyone.

On Thursday, the Global Times published a new cartoon criticizing Australia.

The latest offering features a member of the Australian Defense Force posing for a camera while smiling and holding a sign with the words “human rights,” while standing on a covered and bloody body that remains out of range.