Chinese media was yesterday rife with nationalistic comments praising the country’s top diplomats for standing up to their American counterparts in Anchorage, although analysts cautioned against reading too much into the theatrics. Associate Professor Li Mingjiang, coordinator of the China Programme at the RSIS in Singapore, said it should also be noted that the comments were made in front of the media, which indicated they were intended for domestic audiences. “I don’t think we should read too much into these open verbal attacks in the opening sessions…It is probably the case that behind closed doors, the two sides may be able to discuss more substantive issues,” he said.