[MITCHAY]

So NZ have signed an "upgraded FTA" with the CCP which they are free to do what they want. But given our experience they should know as soon as you step out of line they punish you.

What annoys me is for a long time the Kiwis have no problems grandstanding on topics where they feel morally superior and putting their "allies" on blast every chance they get but they keep any criticism about CCP behind closed doors which means **** all.

Then their trade minister comes out saying we should show some respect and follow them all in their diplomacy.

I would have thought that in and of itself that is bad diplomacy. No NZ has not stuck with it's allies to even sign their name to CCP being **** ****s on Hong Kong and the rest.

It is well known that the CCP is trying to drive a wedge between AU and US alliance and now this could be another vector splitting AU and NZ.