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6d ago

NZ Foreign Minister Tells Chinese‑born MP to 'Go Back' as Beijing Lodges Protest

Beijing's formal protest, cross‑party rebukes and calls for accountability threaten coalition cohesion, risking harm to New Zealand's trade ties with China.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JULY 23: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters attends the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), part of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, at the Philippine International Convention Center on July 23, 2026 in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Ezra Acayan/Pool via REUTERS
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters attends the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) during the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Pasay, Metro Manila on July 23, 2026. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Pool via REUTERS REFILE - ADDING INFORMATION
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JULY 21: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaks with Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro (not pictured) during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center on July 21, 2026 in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting comes as the region confronts mounting geopolitical tensions, with discussions expected to focus on the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and its impact on energy supplies and trade, Myanmar’s deepening civil conflict, and efforts to advance a long-delayed code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The parliamentary exchange occurred on Wednesday when Green MP Lawrence Xu‑Nan asked if Foreign Minister Winston Peters was vaccinated and Peters replied that Xu‑Nan should 'go back to your own country' and accused 'that' country of lying.
  • China's embassy in Wellington lodged 'solemn representations' with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Chinese ambassador publicly criticised Peters on social media.
  • Peters has stood by his remarks, calling critics 'pearl‑clutchers' and saying he was defending New Zealand's democracy, and his office said he was briefed on MFAT's contact with the embassy.
  • Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other senior politicians publicly described the comments as inappropriate or racist but Luxon stopped short of sacking Peters and said he still had confidence in him.
  • Asian and Chinese community leaders condemned the remark, urged voters to engage ahead of the November election, and pointed to prior racially charged incidents involving Peters and NZ First that raise ongoing political and diplomatic risks.