It is always in the favor of states to not only claim to support their people, and even represent them, but to encapsulate their identity. Authoritarian after authoritarian has learned this.

Criticize the CCP , you’re a sinophobe. Criticize the Iranian or Saudi governmenta and you are demonstrating Islamophobia and antiarabic prejudice. Now with Israel. Plenty have done and it damn works, that’s the worst part.