**Title: Diplomatic Tensions Rise as China Complains Over New Zealand Minister's Remarks**
**Date: July 30, 2026**
In a significant diplomatic incident, China has lodged an official complaint with New Zealand following remarks made by Foreign Minister Winston Peters during a parliamentary debate. The comments, directed at Chinese-born MP Lawrence Xu-Nan, have drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns about xenophobia and racial sensitivity in New Zealand's political discourse.
The exchange occurred on Wednesday when Peters, the leader of the NZ First party, was questioned by Xu-Nan, a member of the Green Party, about his vaccination status amid discussions surrounding New Zealand's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a heated moment, Peters responded to Xu-Nan by saying, "Go back to your own country," and added, "This is called a democracy, unlike what you're used to. Go back to where you've come from, you loudmouth."
Xu-Nan, who was born in Tianjin, China, but has lived in New Zealand for most of his life, expressed disbelief at the remarks. He described Peters' comments as an attempt to scapegoat migrant communities, suggesting that they served as a distraction from the government's shortcomings. "It's a little bit unbelievable to have a Minister for Foreign Affairs scapegoating the migrant communities," Xu-Nan stated in an interview with 1News.
The incident prompted a rare intervention from China's ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong. In a post on X, Wang noted that while he typically refrains from commenting on domestic politics, "sometimes, a statement says more about the person that makes it than anything or anybody else." The Chinese embassy in Wellington subsequently confirmed that it had filed a complaint with New Zealand's foreign ministry over what it termed "negative China-related remarks made by a certain politician."
Peters has stood firm in his defense of his comments, arguing that they reflect the principles of free speech and democratic rights. He reiterated his position on X, stating, "We live in a democracy that includes free speech and rights," and emphasized that he would not retract his statements.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, whose National Party governs in coalition with NZ First, condemned Peters' remarks as "inappropriate attention-seeking." This incident is not the first time NZ First politicians have faced backlash for controversial comments. Last year, Peters' deputy, Shane Jones, faced criticism for telling MP Francisco Hernandez, who was born in the Philippines, to "send the Mexicans home." Following that incident, Mexico's ambassador opted to address the issue through diplomatic channels rather than making public statements.
Peters later acknowledged that Jones' remarks could have been expressed differently, indicating a recognition of the sensitivities surrounding such comments. However, the latest incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of migrants and the tone of political discourse in New Zealand.
As diplomatic tensions simmer, the incident highlights the challenges faced by New Zealand in navigating its multicultural identity while addressing issues of free speech and political accountability. The response from the Chinese government underscores the delicate nature of diplomatic relations, particularly concerning comments that may be perceived as xenophobic or discriminatory.
The unfolding situation is likely to attract significant attention both domestically and internationally, as New Zealand grapples with the implications of Peters' remarks and the broader conversation about inclusivity and respect within its political landscape.