China Expresses Strong Displeasure at Western Opposition to 'Blank Protest' Crackdown

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Min-jae] China expressed displeasure at the international community's calls opposing the crackdown on participants in the "blank paper protests."

On the 30th (local time), Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing regarding the blank paper protests that foreign governments and overseas Chinese showing sympathy should "stop telling other countries what to do and pay attention to the voices of their own citizens."

The international community holds the position that China should not suppress participants in the blank paper protests opposing the stringent COVID-19 policies. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated regarding the blank paper protests that "the expression and resistance of the Chinese people must be allowed."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We support the rights of citizens to peacefully protest anywhere." German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also urged Chinese authorities in an interview to respect freedom of thought and assembly.

In response, spokesperson Zhao said, "China's epidemic prevention policy has proven to protect the people's life safety and physical health to the greatest extent and minimize the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development."

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs omitted the question about the blank paper protests and the spokesperson's answer from the Q&A transcript posted after the previous day's regular briefing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.