Let journalists in

Rather than swallow the propaganda of the Chinese embassy that there is no repression of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang province, I believe our foreign minister’s statement is correct that there is ‘‘clear evidence of severe abuses including largescale extra-judicial detentions, forced labour and forced birth control including sterilisation’’ (Embassy runs ‘propaganda’ briefing on Uyghurs, May 1).

The only way to resolve this impasse is for China to agree to unrestricted access to the detention prisons in Xinjiang to journalists and a UN investigation team, as suggested by National’s Gerry Brownlee.

As for David Mahon and Dave Bromwich, who defended China’s actions in Xinjiang, they should hang their heads in shame as both have extensive business interests in China. Dave Mahon is executive director of Mahon China, an

investment management company, and Dave Bromwich is director of Chinzco, a rural development consultancy in China.

I am particularly appalled by the comments of Mr Bromwich that Uyghurs living in NZ might be part of the secessionist movement in Xinjiang. How can he say this when Uyghur families here are unable to contact their loved ones in Xinjiang due to the actions of the Chinese Government?

Alex Gray, Brooklyn