China-NZ tourism event ‘will happen’ – McKinnon
China’s ambassador to New Zealand has urged the two countries to ‘‘firmly hold the rudder’’ as she acknowledged heated public debate over our relationship with the world’s most populous nation.
At a New Zealand China Council event to mark Wellington hosting the Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality exhibition at Te Papa, Ambassador Wu Xi made no specific mention of the concerns from New Zealand’s security services about the involvement of Chinese technology company Huawei in the 5G network, the cancellation of a gala event to mark the beginning of events to celebrate tourism between the two countries or an Air New Zealand flight bound for Shangai returning to Auckland because of an administrative error.
But as she read a prepared statement, Wu, council chairman Sir Don McKinnon and a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade referred in diplomatic terms to troubles between the two countries.
‘‘Over the past few weeks, there has been public debate on the direction of China New Zealand relations,’’ Wu said at the event.
‘‘Here in New Zealand, many of our friends shared both their concerns and constructive suggestions about this relationship.
‘‘When sailing through uncharted waters, it is vitally important to firmly hold the rudder, carefully steering through the rocks.
‘‘As two countries, different in history, culture and social systems, it is only natural for us to have differences. We need to properly handle these differences and build on a more resilient relationship.’’
Wu said New Zealand and China ‘‘face identical or similar problems and challenges’’ in a world where protectionism was rising.
‘‘We need to always bear in mind that a defining feature in our relationship is mutual benefit and a win-win outcome.’’
The decision of an Air New Zealand plane bound for Shanghai to return to Auckland mid-flight and the cancellation of a gala event to mark the start of a planned series of events to mark the China New Zealand year of tourism, as well as the lack of a visit by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to visit China has led to debate over the nature of New Zealand’s relationship with its largest trading partner. Chinese media published stories suggesting tourists were offended by decisions made about China, however on Friday China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the media reports did not represent the Government’s position.
McKinnon, a former deputy prime minister and Commonwealth secretary general, who chairs the NZ China Council, said recently the two countries had seen the ‘‘rough and tumble of international politics’’.
‘‘It’s nothing new. It will happen again. It doesn’t always happen with any one country. But this is what international politics is all about. These things come and go from time to time. This too will pass.’’
The event happened two days before a scheduled gala event was scheduled to be hosted at the same location to mark the China New Zealand year of tourism, which was cancelled at late notice by China.
McKinnon did not mention the cancellation directly, but said: ‘‘It doesn’t suggest it’s not going to happen at all. It will happen, it will be highlighted.’’
Meanwhile, Trade Minister David Parker confirmed to journalists yesterday morning that he would likely attend a Belt and Road forum he had been invited to in China soon.
‘‘I’m intending to take a trade mission to China this year anyway so I’m looking at combining the two,’’ Parker said.
‘‘It’s likely that I will accept the invitation.’’
The invitation was made several weeks ago but trade officials met the Chinese ambassador on Monday to discuss it further, Parker said.
‘‘But this is what international politics is all about. These things come and go from time to time. This too will pass.’’
Sir Don McKinnon