WSJ: Huang’s remarks a ‘surprising threat’
The paper speculates that Beijing will defend ethnic Chinese under attack in South East Asian countries.
(Free Malaysia Today) – The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has described Chinese Ambassador Huang Huikang’s controversial remarks in Petaling Street on Friday as a “threat that came as a surprise,” given China’s policy against interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
However, the paper also says that “Beijing will speak up for ethnic Chinese under attack” in South East Asian countries, basing the speculation on its observation that “rising nationalism” was driving Chinese aggression in the region.
News reports on Friday quoted Huang as saying, “With regard to the infringement on China’s national interests, violations of legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses, which may damage the friendly relationship between China and the host country, we will not sit by idly.”
WSJ’s comments came in an article published today under the heading “Malaysia and the race card.” The article alleged that Prime Minister Najib Razak’s fight for political survival was “sparking racial discord.”
It referred to the events of May 1969 and said: “If race riots do recur, retaliation from China wouldn’t be the biggest cost. Ethnic Chinese and Indian Malaysians still dominate the economy and could move their capital and management know-how offshore.”
