Mixed welcome for Chinese Premier

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, centre, listens to an explanation of the Maori challenge by John Tahuparae, right, on his arrival at Wellington Airport, as Prime Minister Helen Clark looks on. Picture / Reuters

The two groups waiting to see Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrive at his Wellington hotel last night were just metres apart but worlds away from each other.

Beside the hotel, and in front of the barricades, were around 40 local Chinese people waiting to greet the third-highest ranking Chinese politician. On the other side of Grey St, behind the barricades, stood 20 supporters of the Falun Gong movement, protesting against alleged human rights abuses by the Chinese Government and the brutal suppression of their faith.

The red of the Chinese flag and the yellow of the Falun Gong banners was not the only stark contrast between the two groups.

"We wanted to show our support for the Premier," said Bo Ren, as she held one end of a banner that proclaimed: "Warm welcome to Premier Jiabao. Welcome to New Zealand."

"I am holding two flags, a New Zealand one because I am proud of where I am now, and Chinese because I am proud of where I came from."

On the other side of the street, Falun Gong protesters were waving placards denouncing the Chinese Government for allegedly running concentration camps and violating human rights.

Spokesman Chris Thomas said his group had protested both at Wellington Airport on Mr Wen's arrival and at his hotel to hammer home their message.

"She [Prime Minister Helen Clark] needs to ask him about specific human rights abuses, not just talk generally about the issue," Mr Thomas said.

Helen Clark said in a press conference on Monday that human rights were on her agenda for talks today with Mr Wen.

After an hour-long vigil, each group was rewarded with just the briefest glimpse of their quarry. Mr Wen was swiftly ushered out of his car and after brief handshakes was taken into the hotel.

Today the Premier also meets Cabinet ministers, Opposition leader Don Brash, and members of the local Chinese community.

Talks will also focus on ongoing attempts to sign a free trade agreement with China.