University of Otago’s Professor Robert Patman claims China is concerned New Zealand has been “slipping” towards the United States.
Beijing is sending a blanket warning to other countries against visting Taiwan, after China handed travel bans to four New Zealand MPs.
“I think this may be a sign of displeasure by the Chinese government towards the Luxon-lead Coalition government in Wellington,” Mr Patman told Sky News Australia.
“I think … the events that we are witnessing are related to Mr Trump’s visit to Beijing where he met with Xi Jinping and Xi Jinping startled the visitors by saying the Taiwan issue was crucial.”
