"The Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand is questioning why the Government's travel ban for foreign nationals coming from mainland China is in place.
Wu Xi asked why the current travel ban was in place at all during a press conference this morning to provide an update on China's response to coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation has "clearly recommended" that there was no need to restrict travel or trade, she said."
EDUCATION IMPACT
"Wu said the embassy was in touch with Chinese students in New Zealand and in China. Some students, still in China, felt discriminated against because of xenophobia and they wanted to come to New Zealand to resume their study as soon as possible.
"We need to look at why we have seen some discrimination and xenophobia. I believe part of the reason is maybe lack of accurate information. That's why I want to have a press briefing to release the most up to date information."
Simon Says
Watch the whole video to understand more about the situation on the ground, and also how China is positioning itself on the world stage.
To Western ears, some of Madame Wu's statements sound defensive, this is for two reasons. Firstly, Western media is biased, and often subtly politicises stories which are not related to politics. Secondly, in Chinese culture, "face" is not only important for individuals, but especially for the nation. When China, the country, is perceived to be insulted, all individual Chinese people feel the sting personally. So, Madame Wu is responding in keeping with Chinese culture and current reality.
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