Australia demands apology from China after fake image posted on social media
Sydney
AUSTRALIA demanded an apology after a senior Chinese official posted a fake image of an Australian soldier holding a knife with blood on it to the throat of an Afghan child, calling it "truly repugnant" and demanding it be taken down.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison called a media briefing to condemn the posting of the image, marking another downturn in deteriorating relations between the two countries.
The Australian government has asked Twitter to remove the image, posted on Monday by China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on his official Twitter account, Mr Morrison said. "It is utterly outrageous and cannot be justified on any basis," Mr Morrison added. "The Chinese government should be utterly ashamed of this post. It diminishes them in the world's eyes."
Australia has told 13 special forces soldiers they face dismissal in relation to an independent report on alleged unlawful killings in Afghanistan, the head of the country's army said on Friday.
"It is the Australian government who should feel ashamed for their soldiers killing innocent Afghan civilians," said Hua Chunying, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman, when asked about Mr Morrison's comments. The image posted by her colleague shows people's "indignation", said Ms Hua, speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing on Monday. Whether it will be taken down is a matter between Twitter and the Australian government, she noted.
SEE ALSO
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Australia's relationship with China has deteriorated since Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier last month, China outlined a list of grievances about Australia's foreign investment, national security and human rights policy, saying Canberra needed to correct its actions to restore the bilateral relationship with its largest trading partner.
Mr Morrison said countries around the world were watching how Beijing responded to tensions in Australia's relationship with China.
In the latest in a series of trade sanctions, China announced on Friday it will impose temporary anti-dumping tariffs of up to 212.1 per cent on wine imported from Australia, a move Canberra has labelled unjustified and linked to diplomatic grievances.
Mr Zhao wrote on Twitter: "Shocked by murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers. We strongly condemn such acts, & call for holding them accountable." His Twitter account had posted the same message, but without the fake image of the soldier and child, on Friday.
Mr Morrison said Australia had established a "transparent and honest" process for investigating the allegations against the accused soldiers and this "is what a free, democratic, liberal country does". REUTERS
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Ecuador president declares state of emergency over energy crisis
US Senate has agreement on Fisa reauthorisation, will vote on Friday night, Schumer says
US expects to finalise new Aukus trade exemptions in next 120 days
IMF concerned about debt, fiscal challenges facing low-income countries
Bank of Japan’s Ueda says ‘very likely’ to hike rates if inflation keeps rising
Colombian fund managers eye US$750 million fee bonanza after senators tweak pension bill