12 April 2001

DUNNE’S DELEGATION GETS WARM WELCOME FROM TAIWANESE GOVERNMENT

The parliamentary delegation to Taiwan led by United Future NZ leader and MP for Ohariu-Belmont, Hon Peter Dunne, has received a warm and enthusiastic welcome during their visit this week.

Mr Dunne’s delegation arrived in Taipei on Monday and returns to New Zealand on Easter Sunday. The delegation hosted by the Taiwanese Government has been appreciative of the welcome given by the Taiwanese.

“I believe the visit this week will have gone some considerable way to strengthening the ties between Taiwan and New Zealand. As one of New Zealand’s top ten trading partners Taiwan is hugely important to New Zealand economically as well as culturally.

“We have met with the Premier, Chang Chun-hsiung, an historic first for New Zealand MPs. The meeting was extremely fruitful and highlights the interdependence of the two nations,” says Mr Dunne.

He says there was also a very productive meeting with the Vice President Yao Eng–chi. “This meeting will be extremely productive in developing a stronger relationship between the two parliaments.

“The welcome given to our delegation and the continued growing importance of Taiwan as an economic and cultural partner cannot be underestimated and highlights the stupidity of New Zealand’s outdated One China policy.

“With New Zealand represented at trade levels through Trade NZ, and unofficially through business and economic councils, the time has come for the Labour led Government to wake up to the reality of the changing world and give Taiwan full official recognition.

“Only then can we move forward and advance the relationship with this important democratic Asian partner. The One China policy is dead in reality, so it should be put to rest officially and quickly,” concludes Mr Dunne.

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