Racism Row Erupts After New Zealand FM's Comments to Chinese-Origin MP

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Wellington: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has faced criticism for telling China-born Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan during a heated parliamentary debate: ‘This is called a democracy, unlike what you're used to. "Go back where you came from, you loudmouth.’ The comment sparked uproar among opposition MPs, who described it as racist and xenophobic.

Wang Xiaolong, China's ambassador to New Zealand, criticised the remarks, saying they represented racial prejudice and contradicted New Zealand's reputation as an open-minded country. Peters denied the accusation, stating that his words were about defending New Zealand's democratic traditions and accusing Beijing of interfering in the country's internal affairs.

The exchange has strained relations between Wellington and Beijing, which have previously been tested by disagreements over security, China's regional influence, and human rights.