New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has come under scrutiny after remarks directed at a Chinese-born lawmaker sparked political criticism and prompted a response from China’s ambassador to New Zealand.
The exchange took place during a parliamentary debate on New Zealand’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It later escalated into a diplomatic dispute after both sides publicly defended their positions.
Heated Exchange During Parliamentary Debate
During the debate, Green Party lawmaker Lawrence Xu-Nan asked Peters, “Are you vaccinated?”
Peters responded by referring to Xu-Nan’s Chinese background. The minister said the lawmaker had “come here five minutes ago.”
He then added, “Go back to your own country. That’s where they lie like a flatfish, but they don’t lie like that here.”
Peters continued by saying, “This is called a democracy, unlike what you’re used to. Go back to where you’ve come from, you loudmouth.”
Xu-Nan was born in Tianjin, China. However, he grew up in Auckland and now serves as a member of New Zealand’s Parliament.
China’s Ambassador Responds
The comments prompted a public reaction from Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaolong.
Writing on X, the ambassador said he generally avoided commenting on domestic politics. However, he added, “suffice it to say, sometimes, a statement says more about the person that makes it than anything or anybody else”.
His remarks drew further attention to the controversy, with many closely watching the diplomatic response.
Peters Defends His Position
Peters later responded to the ambassador’s comments through his own post on X.
He said the ambassador had “proven my point”.
The foreign minister also wrote, “We live in a democracy that includes free speech and rights — those two values that other certain countries not only limit, but do so with force.”
He further added, “If that offends the pearl clutchers and the communist shills labelling it as ‘dangerous’ – welcome to New Zealand”.
Previous Controversies Resurface
The latest incident has also revived criticism over previous remarks involving Peters and members of his New Zealand First Party.
Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Shane Jones faced criticism after referring to a possible “butter chicken tsunami” while discussing New Zealand’s free trade agreement with India.
Last year, Jones also drew backlash after telling MP Francisco Hernandez to “send the Mexicans home” during a parliamentary debate.
Hernandez, however, was born in the Philippines, not Mexico.
Following that incident, Peters told both Hernandez and Lawrence Xu-Nan to “show some gratitude” for living in New Zealand.
Diplomatic Tensions Draw Attention
The latest exchange has attracted widespread attention because it involves both domestic politics and diplomatic relations.
While Peters defended his remarks as part of free political debate, China’s ambassador publicly challenged his comments. As a result, the incident has intensified discussion about political language, freedom of speech, and diplomatic conduct in New Zealand.
