fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 11 May 2021 12:00

Rock and a hard place

Written by  Milking It
Rock and a hard place

OPINION: Appease the Chinese and protect your export trade, like dairy products, or infuriate them and face sanctions.

That's the dilemma facing the NZ Government as the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China comes under scrutiny by our politicians. The ACT Party intends to put a motion to Parliament this week to debate the treatment of the Muslims.

The ACT Party says many of the recent reports from Xinjiang amount to genocide. But Labour and National aren't keen to use the 'G' word and sending Beijing into a fit of rage.

Trade Minister Damien O'Connor says the Chinese Government "clearly" would not like it if Parliament declared the treatment as genocide.

A conundrum then as the NZ Government is already facing criticism from our Five Eyes partners for appearing soft on China. Notice though, those same partners have dragged their feet when it comes to trade deals with us.

More like this

Birth woes

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact that, now more than ever, US farmers are being propped up by government welfare – a direct result of Trump’s hardline on its trading partners.

Strong wool eyes China

China looks set to play a key role in helping the New Zealand wool sector shift away from trading as a commodity supplier.

Popular Reads

Featured

Editorial: A Sensible Decision

OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.

National

Machinery & Products