New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters is at the centre of a racism row after remarks he made during a parliamentary debate prompt a response from China. Multiple reports say Peters addressed a question from Lawrence Xu-Nan, a Chinese-born lawmaker who grew up in Auckland. The exchange occurred during discussion of New Zealand’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the accounts, Xu-Nan asked whether Peters’ position related to vaccination. Peters responded by characterising Xu-Nan’s background in a way that critics describe as excluding him from New Zealand. Reports state Peters told Xu-Nan to “go back to your own country,” and referred to him as having “come here five minutes ago.”
China’s ambassador in Wellington intervenes following the incident, with Beijing reportedly expressing concern over the comments. The reports also describe the political context as involving populist NZ First and a Green Party member raising the question in parliament.
The incident underscores diplomatic sensitivities between Wellington and Beijing, with China seeking clarification or a response after the remarks were made public.
