Dunne 'gagged' over Taiwan

Peter Dunne

United Future leader Peter Dunne says his freedom of speech was undermined when a Government official warned him not to mention Taiwan during a dinner with China's second-highest ranked leader, Wu Bangguo.

Mr Dunne has written a letter of complaint to Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff to find out who authorised the instruction.

"I find it ironic that Helen Clark lectures the Chinese about free speech, at the same time as Foreign Affairs are telling MPs to be careful what they say."

Mr Dunne, one of 20 guests at a dinner for Mr Wu, said: "The message was that they hoped I would not raise Taiwan because it would be embarrassing and would imperil the free trade agreement." The Ministry said no such approach was made.

Mr Dunne said he was an "unashamed supporter" of Taiwan.

But he said he had no intention of raising the issue because it was a social occasion and not appropriate.

"I have been bullied by the Chinese embassy on many occasions, but I have never been bullied by New Zealand."

During Mr Wu's visit, Greens co-leader Rod Donald flew a Tibetan flag on Parliament's steps. Chinese officials tried to block him but were told it was his right to do so.