An official ceremony in the Beehive was temporarily put off last night after the delegation of Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan objected to the presence of two Wellington newsmen.
A Government spokesman said there had been a misunderstanding over whether the pair, who work for New Zealand Asia TV
and Capital Chinese News, were allowed at the official meet-and-greet with Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen.
The photo opportunity had been listed in an advisory note to media.
Cameraman/editor Tony Clark said he and journalist Nick Wang were prevented from doing their job after "a local Chinese intelligence guy" told the police diplomatic protection squad that Wang was "a problem".
While members of the Chinese media travelling with the delegation were allowed into the room to observe the ceremony, a uniformed police officer took Clark and Wang to the office of the Speaker in the main Parliament Building.
Clark said the Speaker had already given him permission to film. Wang is an accredited member of the Press Gallery, a status which allows access to Parliament's buildings.
The official Government line late last night was that the ceremony, at which documents were to be formally signed, was held later because talks had gone on longer than expected.
But the signing related to agreements on standards - technical documents that would have been agreed to long in advance.
The Chinese Vice-Premier, whose visit has not been widely publicised, also signed an air crew access agreement while at Parliament.
Clark and Wang produce a Triangle Television show on Asian events in the Wellington region.
- NZPA
