Trump Official Warns China of Populist Backlash Over Repression
- Pottinger says ‘democratic populism’ fueled Trump win, Brexit
- Official cites fate of a Chinese doctor who warned about virus
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China’s leaders risk a popular backlash if they don’t loosen controls on free speech and let its people have a stronger hand in their government, a senior White House official said in a speech likely to further exacerbate tensions with Beijing.
Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger said in a speech Monday directed to the Chinese people that Beijing’s efforts to punish critics -- like the doctors who the sounded early warnings over the coronavirus outbreak -- would eventually backfire.