China criticizes New Zealand for supporting Taiwan in the World Health Organization

China has issued a severe reprimand to New Zealand, urging it to “stop making wrong statements” on the issue of Taiwan’s membership in the World Health Organization or risk damaging the relationship of the two nations.

The comments came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, who said at a press conference in Beijing that New Zealand’s stance was a violation of the “one China” policy, which he says is the political base. of our bilateral relationship.

“We express our strong dissatisfaction with the statements and resolutely oppose it, and we have already made severe representations with New Zealand,” said Zhao.

“China urges New Zealand to strictly adhere to the ‘one China’ principle and immediately stop making wrong statements about Taiwan, to avoid damaging our bilateral relationship.”

The spokesman’s comments came after Foreign Minister Winston Peters spoke in support of Taiwan and bit the Chinese ambassador to New Zealand after he criticized the move.

Peters expressed a “personal position” last week and told reporters: “In the interest of international health, you want all countries of an international organization designed to improve the health of the world. It is only logical.”

The Chinese Embassy was highly critical of Peters’ personal opinion, saying in a statement: “There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China.”

“We hope that New Zealand continues to adhere to this principle, adequately handle Taiwan-related issues and advocate for the solid development of China-New Zealand relations with concrete action.”

When asked about the comments, Peters urged the ambassador to “listen to his teacher,” saying that this is not the message that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was sending … “[he] He assured me that China does not behave that way. “

Later Peters confirmed that it was the government’s position to allow Taiwan a seat at the table.

“They have something to teach the rest of the world: all countries, including China, will surely want to know the secret of their success.”

“They are … a worldwide success story at Covid-19. They have fewer than 450 cases and have had four deaths and a population the same size as Australia.”