The Global Times – a state-run newspaper that is often the mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) – has published an editorial claiming the West “won’t succeed” with the pressure it is applying on China over its human rights abuses, while also warning the West West does not “have the guts” to confront China. This editorial came a day before the daily newspaprt congratulated Joe Biden for his US Presidential win over Donald Trump.
But those warm words came after a week of virtual silence from China following the bitter US election battle.
China is waiting to see what view Mr Biden will take on foreign policy, but experts believe he will not change direction in a way that would bring frosty tensions between Washington and Beijing to an abrupt end.
The President-elect, who will replace Mr Trump in the White House in January, has already vowed the US will stand up to China’s abuses on human rights, military expansionism and malign trade practices.
During recent months, Donald Trump’s administration has thrown its support behind the the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
The US, as well as the likes of the UK and Germany, this week lashed out at China’s expulsion of four pro-democracy ministers from Hong Kong’s Legislative Council body.
The move from Beijing sparked a furious reaction, with all remaining pro-democracy ministers resigning in protest.
Now the Global Times has entered the argument, claiming all criticism from the West is in fact meaningless.
The newspaper wrote: “Is there any Western country thinking it has the ability to pressure China to yield? Not at all.
Western forces have quite complicated and selfish considerations when they step in the muddy waters of Hong Kong question.
“They want to contain China by messing up Hong Kong, but they are unlikely to sacrifice their own interests to seek dominance over Hong Kong affairs.
“They know they won’t succeed, nor do they have the guts to do that.
“No external force can become a lever to help the opposition to challenge the central government constitutionally.”
Mr Trump is not sceduled to leave the White House of a further two months following his US election defeat to Mr Biden.
But during thqat time, the current US President could still further expand American action on Hong Kong.
Following the US election, the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on those from China and Hong Kong believed to be involved in eroding the territory’s limited autonomy.
The next report frombthe State Department on Hobng Kong’s autonomy is due to be published over the coming weeks.
This could trigger a number of other sanctions against individuals and corporations linked to the erosion of human rights in Hong Kong.
But in a further warning, the Chinese Government and its state media has vowed to stand its ground on the matter.
The Global Times also wrote: “Hong Kong has returned to China.
“The Hong Kong opposition should do what Chinese people should do.
“If they resist Hong Kong’s return, they’d better migrate to the Western countries they worship.”