Your definition of whataboutism needs a serious overhaul. It's done to divert anger somewhere else or lessen the perceived severity.

Topic: China saying one thing and then covertly doing another to support an unjust invasion.

Thread: "But whatabout Iraq?!?!"

It flows from tribalist anger. Gotta point out how the other team screwed up so you don't feel so bad when your team shits the bed.