News Analysis How has Beijing responded to U.S. pronouncements that it stands with its athletes and their freedom of speech? Expectedly, it answered according to a time-tested two-part strategy from the authoritarian handbook: totally deny all allegations and instead assert that all of those under regime control love the government and are living in perfect harmony; and deflect attention to the United States, and claim that it is Washington that is the truly oppressive and tyrannical government. “Here is my advice to the United States: Do not go further down the wrong path. It will not only make your own people suffer, but also create more trouble for other countries and the whole world.” This was the response of Zhang Jun, China’s representative to the United Nations (U.N.), to U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield. During a Feb. 6 conversation with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Thomas-Greenfield had reaffirmed the stance of …