23 Nov 2020

Jacinda Ardern not surprised by Chinese response to Five Eyes statement

From Morning Report, 7:20 am on 23 November 2020

New Zealand's relationship with China has come back into sharp focus following last week's criticism of the superpower by the intelligence agency Five Eyes.

The Chinese hit back aggressively at a Five Eyes' statement - signed by New Zealand - which declared Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom of speech had been eroded by its giant neighbour.

The exchange - including China's threat to "poke out the eyes" of its accusors - has prompted some experts to say New Zealand is walking a fine line with a country that is overwhelmingly its largest trading partner.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern speaks to Corin Dann.