China has expressed concerns over the political discourse in New Zealand, advising local figures not to leverage China as a topic in domestic politics. This comes after New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, made remarks during a parliamentary debate that involved an opposition lawmaker of Chinese descent.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized China’s stance on respecting the developmental choices of all nations and denounced any form of discrimination or prejudice. She underscored the importance of actions that promote bilateral friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
Amid the diplomatic tension, China confirmed that its embassy in New Zealand has engaged with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This interaction involved formal diplomatic representations concerning the recent parliamentary incident.
The situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding international relations and the potential impact of domestic political rhetoric on these relationships. The call from China aims to maintain a focus on strengthening ties and ensuring mutual respect prevails in the bilateral relationship.