Chinese embassy in New Zealand complains about treatment

17/9/2025 18:59

China’s embassy in New Zealand said it had complained to Wellington about "harassment" of its citizens at airports, citing the case of a traveller compelled to hand over electronic devices.



The protest comes against a backdrop of reasonably stable ties in recent years, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon having visited China this year.



The embassy cited "harassment and interrogation without cause" by New Zealand security and intelligence agency official in the case of a transiting citizen, adding that some of the confiscated digital devices were not returned.



In response, a New Zealand foreign ministry spokesman said the embassy had been advised that all those transiting or entering the country must obey its laws and regulations, including those concerning national and border security.