Story perspectives

NZ Foreign Minister Calls Chinese MP “Go Back” – Racist Remark Sparks Outcry

7/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to “go back to your own country”.
Ambassador Wang Xiaolong said the comment reflected on Peters, not China, and New Zealand politics are not China’s concern.
Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni called the remarks “racist and offensive,” warned they could damage NZ-China ties.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Speaker Gerry Brownlee said they were attention-seeking and would not affect trade.

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Story summary

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to “go back to your own country”.
Ambassador Wang Xiaolong said the comment reflected on Peters, not China, and New Zealand politics are not China’s concern.
Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni called the remarks “racist and offensive,” warned they could damage NZ-China ties.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Speaker Gerry Brownlee said they were attention-seeking and would not affect trade.