Tuesday, 25 May, 2004

Dunne questions Chinese 'bullying' over Taiwan

United Future leader Peter Dunne today questioned how many New Zealanders have been bullied - "and there is no other word for it" - by the Chinese Government, over their dealings with Taiwan.

Mr Dunne, who returned at the weekend from the inauguration of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian, said his visit prompted a call to his office from "a Mr Zhang at the Chinese Embassy, who wanted to express his Government's disappointment and dissatisfaction at my trip, and to pass on to me that it was not a wise choice".

"Well, my message to Mr Zhang and his political masters is this: this sort of bullying is not a wise choice - and Kiwis in particular do not welcome that sort of dealing.

"And it has me wondering how many other New Zealanders, perhaps doing business, are subjected to this sort of thing," Mr Dunne said.

Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Dunne asked Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff if the Government was happy to have a foreign power use its presence here in such a manner, and what value it attached to protecting the freedom of New Zealanders to go about their lawful business in Taiwan or anywhere else.

ENDS

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