[ad_1]
Image source,EPA
Australian Prime Minister Morrison (Scott Morrison)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian posted an image on Twitter on Monday (November 30), alluding to the killing of innocents by Australian soldiers. The image is known to be a modified fake photo, generating widespread controversy. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked China to apologize and said Beijing should be “very ashamed” to share this “disgusting” image.
Later, when asked about Morrison’s request at a press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying responded by accusing Australian soldiers of “killing innocent people” in Afghanistan.
Right now, the political tension between the two countries is increasing.
Controversial photos
The image released by Zhao Lijian shows an Australian soldier holding a bloody knife alongside an Afghan boy holding a lamb.
He wrote on Twitter: “I am shocked by the killing of Afghan civilians and prisoners by Australian soldiers. We strongly condemn this behavior and hold them to account.”
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that this photo appeared to refer to an unconfirmed rumor that elite Australian soldiers killed two Afghan teenagers with knives. Related investigations found no evidence to support the rumor.
However, an investigation found “credible evidence” that confirmed the existence of illegal killings within the Australian elite forces and the so-called “warrior culture”. Related allegations include encouraging lower-ranking soldiers to shoot and kill the prisoners who first killed them.
Image source,Twitter
Fake Pictures Released by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian
Earlier this month, an investigation by the Australian Defense Force (ADF) found that 25 Australian soldiers were suspected of killing 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners between 2009 and 2013. The investigation has drawn widespread condemnation and is being investigated by police nowadays.
Hua Chunying said at the press conference that it is unclear whose job the revised photo is, but because it has circulated on the Internet, it reflects the outrage of many people.
He said it would be “immature and irrational” if Australia is not ashamed of the deaths of innocent soldiers in Afghanistan, but rather condemns the accusations of others about such behavior.
Australian Prime Minister apologizes
Australia has asked Twitter to remove Zhao Lijian’s tweet from its platform, calling it “false information”.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed anger over Zhao Lijian’s tweet, which he described as “really offensive, extremely offensive and extremely brazen.”
Morrison said: “The Chinese government should be ashamed of this publication. It weakens its position in the eyes of the world.”
He also said that the image conveys “a false impression, a serious slander of our national defense forces.”
He also stressed that Australia has launched a transparent investigation into the alleged war crimes because this is what a “free and democratic country” should do.
The Sino-Australian conflict continues to escalate
This is just one episode in a series of recent conflicts between China and Australia.
Last week, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that it has decided to implement temporary anti-dumping measures in the form of a deposit against Australian wine imports from November 28. The months-long trade dispute between China and Australia has escalated.
In recent months, China has imposed a series of economic crackdowns on imported Australian wine, barley and beef, including disrupting trade and imposing tariffs. Australia called China’s actions “economic coercion.”
However, Hua Chunying said today that this photo “has nothing to do with the earlier conflict between China and Australia. Do not over-interpret it.”
Image source,fake images
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has decided to apply temporary anti-dumping measures in the form of a deposit against imports of wine from Australia.
Morrison said there is “no question” of tensions between China and Australia, but said: “This is not the way to solve the problem.”
Since the beginning of this year, Australia has taken the initiative to call for investigations into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic and discussions about China’s alleged interference in Australian affairs. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated rapidly.
Earlier this month, the Chinese Embassy in Australia distributed a list to local media, listing 14 political areas, stating that Australia’s actions in these areas have caused the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
This list includes Australia’s blocking of Chinese investment projects, a ban on Chinese technology company Huawei from participating in 5G tenders, and continued interference in the affairs of Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Australia said it will not change its political stance.
