News Resource Chinese diplomat's call to Peter Dunne investigated
26 May 2004 Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff is investigating a diplomatic incident which has the potential to create problems between New Zealand and China. United Future Party leader Peter Dunne told Parliament yesterday he had been bullied by an official from the Chinese Embassy in Wellington because of his support for Taiwan. Mr Dunne said the embassy official contacted his office "angrily...abusing me for my attendance at the inauguration of President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan". He asked Mr Goff to tell the Chinese ambassador that interference in the affairs of New Zealanders was unacceptable. Mr Goff said he would take it up. "It is quite inappropriate for any member of this House to be told what to do or how to do it. That is a decision for an elected representative, and not the embassy of an overseas country," he said. Mr Dunne later issued a statement saying he wondered how many other New Zealanders had been "bullied" by the Chinese because of their contact with Taiwan. The MP is a strong supporter of official recognition of Taiwan. The Government supports the one China policy which means it does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but hopes for the peaceful and mutually acceptable reunification of China and Taiwan. Mr Dunne's party has a support agreement with the Government, and United Future's votes ensure it has a majority in Parliament. The Government will be hoping the issue does not have any effect on negotiations that are taking place with China to secure a free trade agreement between the two countries.