WELLINGTON (Reuters) -China’s embassy in New Zealand has complained to Wellington concerning the harassment of its residents at airports, it stated on Tuesday, citing the case of a traveller compelled at hand over digital gadgets.
The protest comes in opposition to a backdrop of fairly steady ties lately, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon having visited China this 12 months.
The embassy cited “harassment and interrogation with out trigger” by New Zealand safety and intelligence company official within the case of a transiting citizen, including that among the confiscated digital gadgets weren’t returned.
“The embassy of China in New Zealand has lodged a critical illustration with the New Zealand Ministry of Overseas Affairs and Commerce and deplores the unwarranted conduct and harassment,” it stated in a press release on its web site.
In response, a New Zealand overseas ministry spokesman stated the embassy had been suggested that every one these transiting or coming into the nation should obey its legal guidelines and rules, together with these regarding nationwide and border safety.
“These legal guidelines and rules are utilized in a non-discriminatory method, no matter nation of origin,” the spokesman stated in a press release that didn’t consult with particulars particular instances.
(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Enhancing by Clarence Fernandez)
