Free Trade and Falun Gong Intersect At Parliament

This morning the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wen Jiabao, and a delegation of Ministers and officials from China visited Parliament. Mr Jiabao discussed trade and legal issues with the New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and later answered questions from the New Zealand and Chinese media.

Prior to Mr Jiabao's arrival a small group of protestors, many associated with the Falun Gong movement, gathered to make a protest about the way their colleagues in China are treated.

Green MP's Sue Kedgley and Keith Locke also attempted to draw attention to the plight of Tibet by waving a large colourful flag of Tibet on Parliament's forecourt. Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons later arrived to support her colleagues. It is unlikely Mr Jiabao took much notice of the protest as his motorcade swooped into Parliament like a fast flying eagle that's spotted a juicy free trade agreement.

ENDS