SHANGHAI — An editorial in a Chinese state newspaper on Wednesday sharply criticised Washington for what it termed an attempt to provoke an "all-out confrontation with China" over Chinese journalists' visas. "No longer content with their maximum pressure ploys to coerce China into accepting an unfair trade deal, these neo-crusaders are seeking to provoke an all-out confrontation whereby they can finally hold 'communist China' by the throat," the editorial in the official English-language China Daily said. The commentary follows China's vow on Tuesday to retaliate if the United States persisted with "hostile action" against Chinese journalists, who may be forced to leave in coming days if their U.S. visas are not extended. The editor of the Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper, said on Tuesday that retaliation could include targeting U.S. journalists based in Hong Kong.

Source: International New York Times August 05, 2020 02:15 UTC