Australian broadcaster criticizes the New Zealand government for not supporting concern over the World Health Organization’s report on the origin of Covid-19

Noted Australian broadcaster Andrew Bolt has accused New Zealand and its government of “backstabbing” Australia in a seven-minute live television spiel.

It comes after New Zealand was absent from the list of countries that raised concerns about the World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 source report.

The WHO released a report on Tuesday on the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its transmission within China, with a center in Wuhan, before it spreads globally.

In May last year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government supported calls to assess the origins of Covid-19, but did not want it to turn into a witch hunt.

So far, the virus has infected more than 128 million people worldwide and has killed almost 3 million.

Bolt has described the New Zealand government as “putting up” with China by keeping quiet about its concerns.

“Why are they leaving Australia in the air? Why are they not supporting us in this serious confrontation with the Chinese dictatorship?

“This is actually New Zealand ratting out Australia.

“This is New Zealand sucking up the Chinese dictatorship.

“May I ask what New Zealand has done while punishing Australia for defending freedom, which includes New Zealand freedom? New Zealand sold us.”

Bolt said it has become part of a “shameful” pattern in which New Zealand did little to confront China, while Australia was punished by Beijing for denouncing Covid-19, its actions in Hong Kong and its treatment of Uighurs.

But just on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta shared concerns about the electoral changes.

“Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned about the approval of China’s electoral changes for #HongKong. Such changes do not maintain faith in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and will further erode #HongKong’s democratic institutions and freedom of expression and association. “Mahuta tweeted.

Last month, Ardern said the relationship between New Zealand and Australia remains strong despite concerns about friction between the transtasman countries.

She said the relationship between her and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is “excellent” and that they work together frequently.