China has called on New Zealand to refrain from using it as a topic in domestic politics, responding to comments made by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. These remarks were delivered during a parliamentary debate involving a lawmaker from the opposition who was born in China.
Mao Ning, the spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized that China respects the choices made by all countries regarding their development paths. She highlighted that China opposes any form of discrimination and prejudice, urging for initiatives that reinforce bilateral friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
The situation led China to confirm that its embassy in New Zealand has lodged formal diplomatic representations with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This move underscores China’s stance on addressing the issue through diplomatic channels.
The diplomatic interaction follows the ongoing discourse in New Zealand’s political arena, where the involvement of a Chinese-born opposition member has sparked discussions. China is keen on ensuring that such internal matters do not affect the broader relationship between the two countries.