U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken deleted a tweet he despatched out on Wednesday in help of Hong Kong, changing it with a way more gentle criticism of Beijing’s crackdown on the semi-autonomous area the next day.

The deleted tweet, first noticed by the Alibaba-owned South China Morning Post, explicitly known as out the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its current disqualification of pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong. Blinken’s tweet additionally gave wholehearted help for these working to additional human rights within the area and stated the Biden administration stands with the individuals of Hong Kong.

“Beijing should let the voices of all Hong Kongers be heard. The PRC’s disqualification of district councillors only weakens Hong Kong’s long-term political and social stability. We stand with the people of Hong Kong & continue to support their human rights & fundamental freedoms,” Blinken first tweeted.

That tweet was copied and printed by Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, on his personal account, however each Price and Blinken’s tweets had been deleted. The subsequent day, Blinken posted a brand new tweet.

“The PRC’s disqualification of seven pro-democracy district councillors undermines the ability of people in Hong Kong to participate in their governance. Governments should serve the people they represent. Decreasing representation goes against the spirit of Hong Kong’s Basic Law,” Blinken tweeted.

The new tweet eliminated point out of the U.S. standing with the individuals of Hong Kong, one thing which will appear delicate to Americans, however was seen as an odd capitulation to Beijing within the Hong Kong press. As the South China Morning Post famous, the deleted tweet, “offered more moral support and assurance to Hong Kong’s opposition camp.”

The change in tone is bizzare, if solely as a result of the White House has been something however straightforward on China since President Joe Biden took workplace in January. In reality, Biden introduced a historic pact with the UK and Australia on Wednesday that might ramp up info and resource-sharing between the three international locations to shore up army defenses towards China.

The new AUKUS agreement will see the U.S. share closely-guarded nuclear submarine expertise with Australia, one thing that America hasn’t completed with any nation for the reason that late Fifties, when the U.S. confirmed the UK easy methods to construct its personal nuclear-powered submarines. The new deal may even enable the three international locations to share synthetic intelligence secrets and techniques and can possible imply that extra U.S. troops shall be stationed in Australia’s northernmost metropolis of Darwin, proper in China’s yard.

“The United States is talking about bringing through all sorts of planes—bombers and different surveillance planes, etc,” Australia’s protection minister Peter Dutton instructed Nine News from Fort Meade, Maryland early Friday.

All of that is to say that the Biden administration doesn’t appear to be shy about pissing off China proper now, particularly by arming Australia with intently held nuclear sub secrets and techniques. But it’s fully attainable that Wednesday’s deleted tweet from Blinken was deleted exactly due to that days’ announcement surrounding the AUKUS association. Because, evidently, Beijing just isn’t happy with the brand new set-up within the Indo-Pacific.

“The nuclear submarine cooperation between the US, the UK and Australia has seriously undermined regional peace and stability, intensified the arms race and undermined international non-proliferation efforts,” China’s ambassador to Australia stated in a press release printed on-line Friday.

“The export of highly sensitive nuclear submarine technology to Australia by the US and the UK proves once again that they are using nuclear exports as a tool for geopolitical game and adopting double standards. This is extremely irresponsible,” the assertion continued.

“Relevant countries should abandon the outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow-minded geopolitical perception, respect the will of the people of regional countries and do more to contribute to regional peace, stability and development. Otherwise, they will only end up shooting themselves in the foot,” the embassy assertion stated.

As you’ll be able to see, China just isn’t too proud of the U.S., UK, and Australia proper now. So why would Secretary Blinken trouble with attempting to mute his criticism of Beijing, which is systematically destroying freedoms in Hong Kong—from jailing dissidents to banning motion pictures? That half isn’t clear but.