The New Zealand Government isn’t caving to pressure from China to loosen travel restrictions in place due to coronavirus.
The Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi, on Tuesday reportedly referenced the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying neither travel nor trade restrictions were necessary, and that member states should "respect and follow" the WHO’s recommendations.
She also indicated restrictions were hurting the relationship between New Zealand and China, saying: “We have already seen an impact on bilateral cooperation...
"When in prosperity friends know us, and when in adversity we know our friends."
Speaking at a Chinese New Year celebration reception at Parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern diplomatically indicated she wasn’t being swayed.
“It is my sincere hope that the current precautionary restrictions we have in place can be lifted as soon as possible, and that when they do, we work closely to normalise commerce and people to people links,” she said.
“I am confident that through cooperation we can both bounce back quickly.
“The virus has highlighted the breadth of connection between our countries. From Chinese students who study in New Zealand, to tourism, and commodity exports affected by the situation on the ground in China itself.
“The strength of the bilateral relationship means that while there has been much that has been affected in recent weeks, there is also a sound footing for us to restore, normalise and indeed advance our relationship once the current outbreak is over.”
The Government on February 15 extended the travel restrictions that have been in place since February 2 until February 23.
The restrictions prevent foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through, mainland China from entering New Zealand. The restrictions are being reviewed every 24 hours.
New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will continue to be able to enter, but need to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
Ardern went on say: “The Government has been at pains to ensure our decisions are based on the best public health advice available. We’ve also been at pains to give the community the reassurance it needs.
“Now, more than ever we must stand strong and support one another, call out any discrimination we see, and ensure we see only compassion and unity.”
51 Comments
I was astonished when Wu Xi made that press release.
The CCP propaganda and bully machine slipped up!
On the same day that Wu Xi had her press release the CCP announced that it is sanitising China's money (actual cash) as a precautionary measure but WU Xi then "tells" the NZ Government to lift the travel restrictions which are also in place as a precautionary measure.
How arrogant is that!!!
I was astonished when Wu Xi made that press release.
The CCP propaganda and bully machine slipped up!
On the same day that Wu Xi had her press release the CCP announced that it is sanitising China's money (actual cash) as a precautionary measure but WU Xi then "tells" the NZ Government to lift the travel restrictions which are also in place as a precautionary measure.
How arrogant is that!!!
I was astonished when Wu Xi made that press release.
The CCP propaganda and bully machine slipped up!
On the same day that Wu Xi had her press release the CCP announced that it is sanitising China's money (actual cash) as a precautionary measure but WU Xi then "tells" the NZ Government to lift the travel restrictions which are also in place as a precautionary measure.
How arrogant is that!!!
Latest update from our Chinese consulate
http://www.chinaconsulate.org.nz/eng/fyrth/t1746893.htm.
Yes, very interesting the completely different approach to Russia which has just taken the same boarder measures regarding the virus as has NZ. Our tertiary education sector has, like Russia, accommodated Chinese students registered for study here with online learning options so as not to interrupt their degree progress arising from their quarantine at home and/or inbound travel restrictions to NZ.
Reading the conciliatory/friendly answer about Russia in that Q&A versus the response of the Chinese consulate in NZ to our government (when indeed the measures taken by both governments are identical) is a case study in geopolitics.
In the 1990s and before, we were getting along fine without the bullying and mirage that CCP has bestowed upon New Zealand other countries in the world. We could definitely go back to that, they were good times and we didn't have all the haggling that we see nowadays. I wouldn't be phased if the airports down until 2025. Have a nice day ;o)
Could be more we are just following along with Australia.
Scott Morrison has been calling often.
No country is taking China ambassadors seriously.
The in country ambassadors have said the same words in Australia, America, Great Britain and New Zealand.
The traveller register and hot line have been a joke.
The register was a week late.
People coming back and "self quarantining" have just hung up on the info hot line after waiting 30 minutes plus.
We don't know how lucky we are....
Qantas reducing asia flight capacity.
Qantas reducing New Zealand capacity by 6%, because of the otherwise and now gone Asian based travellers.
The Australian government has extended its ban on international arrivals who have travelled through China for a fourth week due to the novel coronavirus crisis, despite the increasing pressure on the economy and the start of the university year.
The ban, which has been in force since 1 February and was initially scheduled for 14 days, will continue into a fourth week.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/20/australia-extends-coronav…
Australian GP suggested to test recent travellers from a number of countries, aside from China.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/gps-test-bali-travellers-for-co…
Is there a danger that if a small country such as NZ removed all restriction on Chinese flights when many large countries have restrictions then those same large countries would simply apply the same restrictions to Kiwis that they have to those who have visited infected parts of China. If so I know I'd be really p***ed off if travelling through Australia, USA, UK, France, etc I was put into 14 days quarantine.
Comrades, we must "call out any discrimination we see, and ensure we see only compassion and unity.”
Er, ahem, cough, or else, what?
Has accusation become proof of guilt, already? Is dissent now a criminal offense in NZ? Surely, not?
Has the veil of charm and compassion slipped and the true manipulative and destructive intent of our dear leader shown itself? Did she mean: "We, who know better than you, will decide your fate..."?
If Jacinda buckled and that resulted in the virus establishing here, then she would be crucified by the voters. Maybe that is what is behind the Chinese pressure. They want Labour out and National (The NZ National Communist Party, NZNCP) back in power and firmly under their wing.
As it is, I think that we are fools allowing any people from China back into the country. If they have a Chinese passport then they should be kept out until this has settled. If they are NZ passport holders, enforced and supervised quarantine. Self quarantine-get real! That Ashley Bloomfield is just another typical government department tosser.
"Speaking at a Chinese New Year celebration reception at Parliament on Wednesday..."
What a disgrace.
We don't celebrate English, American and Australian holidays, but Chinese New Year why not.
Wake up people.
In the words of the 90s band Rage Against the Machine, take the power back!
we do celebrate guy fawkes, (English)
and we have may others creeping in locally
Diwali is getting bigger and bigger here in Auckland, Bunnings and mitre 10 do well out of this
Halloween is taking off and the warehouse makes coin out of this one
and lets not forget xmas or easter
Not yet, JA will eventually give up to the outside/local pressure.. we're sold long time ago. This is irreversible process. China don't have much natural resources, most of those plastic toys exported from China the hydrocarbon/oil material even being imported by them. China will need to move it's capital based world wide and only two requirement for that to happen: 1)Being allowed to procure the land/asset 2)Being allowed to move it's people based - The ruling elite of most Nations on this planet, easily being swayed by money, that is the first key, before 1 & 2 - In the end? just remember whatever the promotional advert about it? - It's all about their needs, never about their host needs. Do check it worldwide, you shall find the same pattern.
JA like the rest (except certain country like India) - will buckle under money pressure, China is eager to continue the foot print of capital transfer, which means only two things: 1) Ability to buy land/asset 2) Ability to allow it's people movement. Just remember, it's about roughly 1.7/2?billions.. and the rest? are they matter? - It's just a matter of time until the rest of it, realising what happened to them. This is why in this troubled world, geopolitically you can see China is always 'playing safe'. Sided, with the ruling elites.. only time will tell.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment.
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.