New Zealand Stands with China: Cautions Ally Australia to ‘Show Respect’ to Beijing

by Simon Kent

New Zealand’s left-wing Labour government has taken key ally Australia to task over its dealings with China, warning Canberra on Thursday it should “show respect” to Beijing.

Boasting of Wellington’s recent success in trade talks with China, NZ Trade Minister Damien O’Connor urged Australia to change its tune and follow New Zealand’s diplomatic lead, AFP reports.

“I can’t speak for Australia and the way it runs its diplomatic relationships, but clearly if they were to follow us and show respect, I guess a little more diplomacy from time to time and be cautious with wording, then they too could hopefully be in a similar situation,” he said.

New Zealand’s policy of appeasement towards China has been reflected in its previous refusal to sign joint statements from Five Eyes partners criticising China’s crackdown on the Hong Kong democracy movement, including the recent arrests of activists in the city.

full story at https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2021/01/28/new-zealand-stands-with-china-cautions-ally-australia-to-show-respect-to-beijing/