Chinese MP sends chills through New Zealand politics
Suspicion over Jian Yang stokes calls for an inquiry
Controversy swirling around a China-born member of New Zealand’s parliament is raising larger questions about Beijing’s drive into this part of the world. Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, on December 20 called for an investigation of Jian Yang, a National Party MP who allegedly previously spent years working for a Chinese university linked to military intelligence. Mr Yang stands accused of lobbying ministers to reconsider a block on security clearance for a defence force applicant -- an allegation he denies.
Mr Peters also blasted the opposition National Party which Mr Yang belongs to, for relying on foreign donations.
Back in September, Anne-Marie Brady, a professor at New Zealand’s University of Canterbury, spoke at a conference in Washington about how her country has become a new target of Chinese political influence.
She has warned that China is using ethnic-Chinese residents to further its agenda, and that the pressure has reached a “critical level.”
Ms Brady’s views created an international stir, as China’s superpower ascent continues apace and other countries grow more suspicious of its actions and intentions.
“The response to my paper has been really huge, globally,” Ms Brady said.
Mr Yang is one of about 60 million overseas Chinese citizens and ethnic Chinese worldwide.