#NewZealand and #Australia condemn electoral overhaul forced on Hong Kong by China
On 12 March 2021, New Zealand and Australia have issued a joint statement expressing deep concerns about changes to Hong Kong's electoral system.
Issued by Foreign Affairs Minister #NanaiaMahuta and her Australian counterpart, senator #MarisePayne, it said the changes passed by China further undermine rights, freedoms and the high degree of autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong until 2047 under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The two urged Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold their commitments to allow Hong Kong people’s genuine participation in their governance, and their rights to scrutinise the government and express diverse views.
"These changes run contrary to the ultimate aim of a Hong Kong Chief Executive elected through universal suffrage, weaken Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and erode freedom of speech and association - all of which are set out in the Basic Law," the statement from Mahuta and Payne said.
https://bit.ly/30TQEM6
Read full statement here:
Joint statement on electoral changes in Hong Kong on 12 March 2021
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-electoral-changes-hong-kong
#ElectoralOverhaul #CCPControl #Regime
Source: Stand News #Mar13
On 12 March 2021, New Zealand and Australia have issued a joint statement expressing deep concerns about changes to Hong Kong's electoral system.
Issued by Foreign Affairs Minister #NanaiaMahuta and her Australian counterpart, senator #MarisePayne, it said the changes passed by China further undermine rights, freedoms and the high degree of autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong until 2047 under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The two urged Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold their commitments to allow Hong Kong people’s genuine participation in their governance, and their rights to scrutinise the government and express diverse views.
"These changes run contrary to the ultimate aim of a Hong Kong Chief Executive elected through universal suffrage, weaken Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and erode freedom of speech and association - all of which are set out in the Basic Law," the statement from Mahuta and Payne said.
https://bit.ly/30TQEM6
Read full statement here:
Joint statement on electoral changes in Hong Kong on 12 March 2021
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-electoral-changes-hong-kong
#ElectoralOverhaul #CCPControl #Regime
Source: Stand News #Mar13
Australia and New Zealand welcome sanctions on China over Uighur abuses but impose none of their own
Australia and New Zealand have raised “grave concerns” about human rights abuses against Muslim minorities in China’s Xinjiang region, citing “the growing number of credible reports” of severe violations.
But while both countries have welcomed new coordinated sanctions announced by the UK, US, the EU and Canada, they have not announced any such measures of their own.
The Guardian understands this is because Australia and New Zealand lack Magnitsky-style laws that would allow the swift rollout of targeted sanctions against individuals for human rights abuses – but the Morrison government is expected to table draft legislation later this year.
Source: Guardian #Mar23
#Australia #NewZealand #Sanctions #China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/23/australia-and-new-zealand-welcome-china-sanctions-over-uighur-abuses-but-impose-none-of-their-own?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Australia and New Zealand have raised “grave concerns” about human rights abuses against Muslim minorities in China’s Xinjiang region, citing “the growing number of credible reports” of severe violations.
But while both countries have welcomed new coordinated sanctions announced by the UK, US, the EU and Canada, they have not announced any such measures of their own.
The Guardian understands this is because Australia and New Zealand lack Magnitsky-style laws that would allow the swift rollout of targeted sanctions against individuals for human rights abuses – but the Morrison government is expected to table draft legislation later this year.
Source: Guardian #Mar23
#Australia #NewZealand #Sanctions #China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/23/australia-and-new-zealand-welcome-china-sanctions-over-uighur-abuses-but-impose-none-of-their-own?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Brain drain fears as quarter of young Hongkongers plan to emigrate
A quarter of young, educated people in Hong Kong are planning to emigrate, according to a new survey, raising fears of a growing brain drain amid China’s crackdown on opposition in the city.
When asked why, more than half cited the implementation of a sweeping national security law, under which more than 100 activists and lawmakers have so far been arrested, while others said it was down to poor governance or deep social divisions.
Britain, New Zealand and Australia were the top destinations for those hoping to leave.
Source: Telegraph #Mar15
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/15/brain-drain-fears-quarter-young-hongkongers-plan-emigrate/
#Brain #Hongkongers #Emigrate #Britain #NewZealand #Australia
A quarter of young, educated people in Hong Kong are planning to emigrate, according to a new survey, raising fears of a growing brain drain amid China’s crackdown on opposition in the city.
When asked why, more than half cited the implementation of a sweeping national security law, under which more than 100 activists and lawmakers have so far been arrested, while others said it was down to poor governance or deep social divisions.
Britain, New Zealand and Australia were the top destinations for those hoping to leave.
Source: Telegraph #Mar15
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/15/brain-drain-fears-quarter-young-hongkongers-plan-emigrate/
#Brain #Hongkongers #Emigrate #Britain #NewZealand #Australia
New Zealand must be 'respectful' of China, even if there are disagreements - Nanaia Mahuta
The Foreign Affairs Minister says New Zealand and China's significant economic ties mean Aotearoa must be "respectful" of the Asian superpower, even if there are areas of disagreement between the two nations.
Nanaia Mahuta's latest comments come as more overseas commentators accuse Wellington of cosying up to Beijing and undermining its standing within the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network.
Source: NewsHub #Apr24
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/04/new-zealand-must-be-respectful-of-china-even-if-there-are-disagreements-nanaia-mahuta.html
#NewZealand #China #Economic #FiveEyes
The Foreign Affairs Minister says New Zealand and China's significant economic ties mean Aotearoa must be "respectful" of the Asian superpower, even if there are areas of disagreement between the two nations.
Nanaia Mahuta's latest comments come as more overseas commentators accuse Wellington of cosying up to Beijing and undermining its standing within the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network.
Source: NewsHub #Apr24
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/04/new-zealand-must-be-respectful-of-china-even-if-there-are-disagreements-nanaia-mahuta.html
#NewZealand #China #Economic #FiveEyes
New Zealand draws back from calling Chinese abuses of Uyghurs genocide
New Zealand’s parliament will not debate a motion that would label the abuses of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, China, as acts of genocide.
Parliament opted instead on Tuesday to water down the language, and discuss concerns about human rights abuses in the region in more general terms.
It is expected the new motion will pass unanimously on Wednesday. However, it marks no deviation from the country’s current position.
Source: The Guardian #May04
https://t.co/qg8F1Bwvp1?amp=1
#NewZealand #Uyghur #China #Xinjiang
New Zealand’s parliament will not debate a motion that would label the abuses of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, China, as acts of genocide.
Parliament opted instead on Tuesday to water down the language, and discuss concerns about human rights abuses in the region in more general terms.
It is expected the new motion will pass unanimously on Wednesday. However, it marks no deviation from the country’s current position.
Source: The Guardian #May04
https://t.co/qg8F1Bwvp1?amp=1
#NewZealand #Uyghur #China #Xinjiang
New Zealand’s Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile
Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing’s role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.
The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing.
In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree", but added these differences need not define their relationship.
Source: Reuters #May03
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/new-zealands-ardern-says-differences-with-china-becoming-harder-reconcile-2021-05-02/
#NewZealand #China #Trading #Beijing
Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing’s role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.
The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing.
In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree", but added these differences need not define their relationship.
Source: Reuters #May03
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/new-zealands-ardern-says-differences-with-china-becoming-harder-reconcile-2021-05-02/
#NewZealand #China #Trading #Beijing
France, South Pacific nations to combat 'predatory' fishing as China extends reach
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday France and South Pacific nations would launch a South Pacific coastguard network to counter "predatory" behaviour, which an adviser said was aimed at illegal fishing, as China expands its maritime reach.
The United States and allies including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, are actively expanding their activity in the Pacific to counter China's influence.
Though tiny in land mass, Pacific islands control vast swaths of resource-rich ocean called Exclusive Economic Zones, forming a formidable boundary between the Americas and Asia.
Source: Reuters #Jul19
https://reut.rs/3ewhgKc
#France #SouthPacific #China #Japan #Australia #NewZealand
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday France and South Pacific nations would launch a South Pacific coastguard network to counter "predatory" behaviour, which an adviser said was aimed at illegal fishing, as China expands its maritime reach.
The United States and allies including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, are actively expanding their activity in the Pacific to counter China's influence.
Though tiny in land mass, Pacific islands control vast swaths of resource-rich ocean called Exclusive Economic Zones, forming a formidable boundary between the Americas and Asia.
Source: Reuters #Jul19
https://reut.rs/3ewhgKc
#France #SouthPacific #China #Japan #Australia #NewZealand
#FakeNews
China says Microsoft hacking accusations fabricated by US and allies
The US and other Western countries on Monday accused China of hacking Microsoft Exchange - a popular email platform used by companies worldwide.
They said it was part of a broader pattern of "reckless" behaviour that threatened global security.
China says it opposes all forms of cyber-crime, and has called the claims "fabricated".
China's foreign ministry spokesman said the US had got its allies to make "unreasonable criticisms" against China.
The UK, EU, New Zealand, Australia and others joined the US to accuse Chinese state-sponsored hackers.
Source: BBC #Jul20
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57898147
#China #Microsoft #Hacking #US #UK #EU #NewZealand #Australia
China says Microsoft hacking accusations fabricated by US and allies
The US and other Western countries on Monday accused China of hacking Microsoft Exchange - a popular email platform used by companies worldwide.
They said it was part of a broader pattern of "reckless" behaviour that threatened global security.
China says it opposes all forms of cyber-crime, and has called the claims "fabricated".
China's foreign ministry spokesman said the US had got its allies to make "unreasonable criticisms" against China.
The UK, EU, New Zealand, Australia and others joined the US to accuse Chinese state-sponsored hackers.
Source: BBC #Jul20
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57898147
#China #Microsoft #Hacking #US #UK #EU #NewZealand #Australia
#CCPRules #Infiltration
Concern over ‘#censorship’ rules of New Zealand-Chinese news site Skykiwi.com
//An influential Chinese-language media outlet in #NewZealand warned its users their information could be shared with 'relevant state agencies' if they violated #ChineseLaws.
Skykiwi.com promotes itself as New Zealand’s “most influential” Chinese-language media outlet, with half a million ‘daily average user visits’ to its multi-platform website. Besides providing news coverage, the site also runs message boards where a variety of topics, including current affairs, are discussed. It claims to have 81,000 daily forum users.
...Until July, the terms of service for these forums contained clauses forbidding speech on a range of topics and said that users who violate Chinese laws in their postings could have their information shared with “relevant state agencies,” indicating China’s intelligence apparatus would be able to potentially identify them. It also meant criticism of China’s ruling Communist Party was all but banned.
...A list of forbidden conduct on the forum, as seen last month, includes “leaking state secrets”, “damaging national honour and interests”, “undermining national unity”, inciting “subversion of state power”, "undermining national policies" and promoting “cults”. Virtually identical wording was discovered on the terms of service for China’s state-backed social media platform #WeChat and a list of “prohibited content” outlined by the Chinese Ministry of Culture.//
Source: Newsroom #Sep20
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/concern-over-censorship-rules-of-nz-chinese-news-site
#CCP #PRC #UnitedFront
Concern over ‘#censorship’ rules of New Zealand-Chinese news site Skykiwi.com
//An influential Chinese-language media outlet in #NewZealand warned its users their information could be shared with 'relevant state agencies' if they violated #ChineseLaws.
Skykiwi.com promotes itself as New Zealand’s “most influential” Chinese-language media outlet, with half a million ‘daily average user visits’ to its multi-platform website. Besides providing news coverage, the site also runs message boards where a variety of topics, including current affairs, are discussed. It claims to have 81,000 daily forum users.
...Until July, the terms of service for these forums contained clauses forbidding speech on a range of topics and said that users who violate Chinese laws in their postings could have their information shared with “relevant state agencies,” indicating China’s intelligence apparatus would be able to potentially identify them. It also meant criticism of China’s ruling Communist Party was all but banned.
...A list of forbidden conduct on the forum, as seen last month, includes “leaking state secrets”, “damaging national honour and interests”, “undermining national unity”, inciting “subversion of state power”, "undermining national policies" and promoting “cults”. Virtually identical wording was discovered on the terms of service for China’s state-backed social media platform #WeChat and a list of “prohibited content” outlined by the Chinese Ministry of Culture.//
Source: Newsroom #Sep20
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/concern-over-censorship-rules-of-nz-chinese-news-site
#CCP #PRC #UnitedFront
Newsroom
Concern over ‘censorship’ rules of NZ-Chinese news site
An influential Chinese-language media outlet in New Zealand warned its users their information could be shared with 'relevant state agencies' if they violated Chinese laws A popular news site could be exposing New Zealanders to Chinese state surveillance…
China’s grand tour: Opposition mounts to Beijing ‘expansionism’ in Pacific
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has accused Beijing of unnecessary expansion of its security reach, as MPs urge her to counter the superpower's "persuasion and pressure".
And Australia's new foreign minister has flown urgently to Fiji in a last-ditch bid to dissuade Pacific Island nations from signing up to a new Chinese security pact.
Source: Newsroom #May28
https://t.co/3VnQ9NVrT9
#China #Australia #NewZealand #Honiara #Pacific
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has accused Beijing of unnecessary expansion of its security reach, as MPs urge her to counter the superpower's "persuasion and pressure".
And Australia's new foreign minister has flown urgently to Fiji in a last-ditch bid to dissuade Pacific Island nations from signing up to a new Chinese security pact.
Source: Newsroom #May28
https://t.co/3VnQ9NVrT9
#China #Australia #NewZealand #Honiara #Pacific
Human Rights Organisation's Report Shows Hong Kong Ranked 4th Last
The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (#HRMI), an international organisation based in #NewZealand, published the 2022 Human Rights Report on June 21, assessing the civil and political rights in 30 districts.
The overall score of Hong Kong's "Empowerment" (which relates to general freedoms for citizens) slightly increased from 2021. Yet, it is still fourth last, while mainland China remains at the bottom of the ranking.
Meanwhile, the Special Representative of the Human Rights Department under China's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Yang Xiaoguang, attended the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday (Jun 21), strongly criticising the UK, Australia and other countries and "anti-China organisations" for slandering China and repeating lies on the issues in #HongKong, #Xinjiang and #Tibet. He even claimed the development of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet is "in the best period in history".
Source: The Chaser News #Jun22
https://bit.ly/43j1GrS
#HumanRightsMeasurementInitiative #CivilRights #PoliticalRights #YangXiaoguang #ForeignAffairsMinistry #UnitedNations #UN #HumanRights
The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (#HRMI), an international organisation based in #NewZealand, published the 2022 Human Rights Report on June 21, assessing the civil and political rights in 30 districts.
The overall score of Hong Kong's "Empowerment" (which relates to general freedoms for citizens) slightly increased from 2021. Yet, it is still fourth last, while mainland China remains at the bottom of the ranking.
Meanwhile, the Special Representative of the Human Rights Department under China's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Yang Xiaoguang, attended the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday (Jun 21), strongly criticising the UK, Australia and other countries and "anti-China organisations" for slandering China and repeating lies on the issues in #HongKong, #Xinjiang and #Tibet. He even claimed the development of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet is "in the best period in history".
Source: The Chaser News #Jun22
https://bit.ly/43j1GrS
#HumanRightsMeasurementInitiative #CivilRights #PoliticalRights #YangXiaoguang #ForeignAffairsMinistry #UnitedNations #UN #HumanRights
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