National MP Jian Yang was investigated by SIS for possible ties to Chinese Government
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- Date published:
2:04 pm, September 13th, 2017 - 168 comments
Categories: China, International, national, same old national, Spying -
Tags: Jian Yang
As if this campaign was not weird enough. Newsroom and the Financial Times have broken a story confirming that National MP Jian Yang was educated in a Chinese University that concentrated on training Chinese spies and he was investigated by the SIS for his Chinese Government links.
From Newsroom:
A National Party MP who studied at an elite Chinese spy school before moving to New Zealand has attracted the interest of our Security Intelligence Service.
The list MP Jian Yang did not mention in his work or political CVs a decade he spent in the People’s Liberation Army-Air Force Engineering College or the Luoyang language institute run by China’s equivalent of the United States National Security Agency.
That agency, the Third Department, conducts spying activities for China.
Newsroom has been told that to have taught at the Air Force Engineering College, Yang would have almost certainly been an officer in Chinese military intelligence and a member of the Communist Party, as other students and staff have been.
Yang studied and then taught there before moving to Australia where he attended the Australian National University in Canberra. He migrated to this country to teach international relations in the politics department at the University of Auckland.
He was hand-picked by National Party president Peter Goodfellow to become an MP on its list in 2011, wooed directly by the former Prime Minister John Key and has been a key fundraiser for National among the Chinese community in Auckland.
As an MP he variously served on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (from 2014 until last year), Commerce, Transport and Industrial Relations and Health and Science select committees and is prominent in New Zealand’s interactions with the Chinese community and diplomatic and consular missions in Wellington and Auckland. He remains a Parliamentary Private Secretary for ethnic affairs.
There are lots and lots and lots of questions surrounding this story and questions about what John Key and Bill English knew about Yang’s background. They must have been briefed by the SIS on this. And this will not blow over in a couple of days.
Strange times …
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- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...2 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freezeCuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...3 weeks ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extendedThe Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Progress on climate will be undone by GovtNew Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...46 mins ago - Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...3 hours ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...3 hours ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...17 hours ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...20 hours ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...22 hours ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...22 hours ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...23 hours ago
- Report provides insights into marine recoveryNew research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...1 day ago
- NZ to send political delegation to the PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...1 day ago
- Low gas production threatens energy securityThere has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...1 day ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...2 days ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...2 days ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...2 days ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...2 days ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...2 days ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...2 days ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...2 days ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...2 days ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...3 days ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...3 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...3 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...3 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...4 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...5 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...6 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...6 days ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...7 days ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...7 days ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...7 days ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...7 days ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...1 week ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...1 week ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...1 week ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...1 week ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...1 week ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...1 week ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...1 week ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...1 week ago
- Government to introduce compulsory work seminar for job-seeking beneficiaries
Beneficiaries looking for a job will have to attend a work seminar within two weeks of starting to receive welfare under new requirements. ...55 mins ago - Photos are everywhere. What makes a good one?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University T.J. Thomson We upload some 3 billion images online each day. We make most of these photos on smartphones and use these devices to document everything from gym progress ...2 hours ago - 'Darkest before the dawn': Nicola Willis rules out austerity Budget"Every dollar counts and our Budget will reflect that reality," the Finance Minister has told an audience.. ...2 hours ago
- AI companions can relieve loneliness – but here are 4 red flags to watch for in your chatbot ‘fr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Weijers, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Co-editor International Journal of Wellbeing, University of Waikato Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images It’s been seven years since the launch of Replika, an artificially intelligent chatbot designed to be a friend to human users. Despite ...2 hours ago
- Paris in spring, Bali in winter. How ‘bucket lists’ help cancer patients handle life and deathSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Williams Veazey, ARC DECRA Research Fellow, University of Sydney DavideAngelini/Shutterstock In the 2007 film The Bucket List Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play two main characters who respond to their terminal cancer diagnoses by rejecting experimental treatment. Instead, they go ...2 hours ago
- Heat is coming for our crops. We have to make them readySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohan Singh, Professor of Agri-Food Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Melbourne., The University of Melbourne Tanja Esser/Shutterstock Australia’s vital agriculture sector will be hit hard by steadily rising global temperatures. Our climate is already ...2 hours ago
- Why Trust Is A Must
The Acumen Edelman Trust barometer reported that New Zealand’s political trust score now sits below the global average, a topic explored in a recent discussion paper by Maxim Institute. ...3 hours ago - Protest March Against Fast-track Bill Announced For AucklandGreenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman says, "The Fast-Track Bill is the most damaging piece of environmental legislation any Government has introduced in living memory. People are angry, and it’s time to march." ...4 hours ago
- Watch live: Finance Minister Nicola Willis makes pre-Budget speechFinance Ministers have used past pre-Budget speeches to reveal where savings have been found and what rules have been set. ...4 hours ago
- A busy week at school for David Seymour
The school lunches programme has been retained – and will be extended to some preschoolers. So how is it going to cost $107 million less? To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. The minister with many hats David Seymour wears a number of hats, but this week ...4 hours ago - 'Completely stupid' – ex-Tuvalu PM on Shane Jones' oil and gas commentsEnele Sopoaga - who still serves as an MP in Tuvalu - says the climate crisis is the "main enemy". ...4 hours ago
- School lunch revamp: 'The biggest waiting list since 2018'Up to 10,000 more hungry children under five will become eligible for free lunches under the government's revised lunches in schools programme. ...5 hours ago
- Book of the Week: Ashleigh Young on an extinction event
“Show us the bird,” I found myself muttering at times while reading Hard by the Cloud House by Peter Walker, a deeply thoughtful, often hilarious, at times rambling – but somehow delightfully so – search for the story of a big bird. But not just any bird: the bird. This ...5 hours ago - A ‘sponge city’ may be your home in 2050Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition DPVUE .images/Shutterstock Your home was probably designed for a climate that no longer exists. As long as humanity continues to burn fossil fuel, padding the heat-trapping blanket of gases in Earth’s atmosphere, the ...5 hours ago
- Tikanga is the first law of AotearoaA senior lawyer has filed a complaint about tikanga becoming a required law school module. Law lecturer Carwyn Jones explains what he’s getting wrong. “…the first law of Aotearoa, a law that served the needs of tangata whenua for a thousand years before the arrival of tauiwi.” – Ani Mikaere ...6 hours ago
- ‘Your agency is taken away’: When endometriosis treatment changes without your consentIn 2019, an Auckland woman woke up from surgery to find that she had undergone a treatment she didn’t consent to. She tells Alex Casey about her experience. From her very first period at the age of 14, Laura experienced “debilitating” levels of pain that forced her to withdraw from ...6 hours ago
- IRD chases decades-old student debt for woman who never went to universityWhen Clara Owen first received a debt notice from Inland Revenue in 2018 she wondered if it was a scam The post IRD chases decades-old student debt for woman who never went to university appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Green shoots prunedComment: Concerns about the state of the economy are creeping up to the top of firms’ list of challenges. That’s evident in both surveys and the tone of our recent client discussions. Skimming the past few weeks of eco-news, it’s not hard to see why. – Retail card spending fell ...6 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Thursday 9 MayThe post Daily crossword, Thursday 9 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- How the Greens could be contendersOpinion: Could former co-leader James Shaw still make a difference to working with National? The post How the Greens could be contenders appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- The ‘war on drugs’ is really a ‘war on people who use drugs’ – and it doesn’t workOpinion: What if we got rid of our existing drug laws and replaced them with a new law that legalised and carefully regulated all psychoactive substances, from cannabis to MDMA, methamphetamine and LSD to magic mushrooms? And which also included legal drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. “Wow,” you might ...6 hours ago
- David Seymour – not the associate education minister you expectedAnalysis: David Seymour’s school lunches programme goes further than Labour’s The post David Seymour – not the associate education minister you expected appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Wayne Brown’s port deal seeks to end five years of dramaSeeking a mandated shift for Port of Auckland before he was mayor, Wayne Brown has tried demanding huge returns and leasing operations The post Wayne Brown’s port deal seeks to end five years of drama appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- DoC set to cut permanent jobs on Chatham IslandsIn the gloom following director-general Al Morrison’s job cuts in 2013, the Department of Conservation restructured its operations arm. Eleven conservancy districts were whittled into six new “conservation delivery” regions, under which the Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands area, comprising 40 scattered islands more than 800km east of Christchurch, was tethered to the ...6 hours ago
- Levels of litigation rising with economic hardshipOne of th e country’s top litigation lawyers says New Zealand is seeing a lift in court action between companies. Chapman Tripp partner Justin Graham, who oversees a team of around 80 litigation specialists, says the courts are now so log-jammed that it’s taking over two years to get cases ...6 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 9 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 9 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- China challenges must be managed if opportunities are to be sustainedOpinion: A continuation of the previous Labour government’s ‘China-plus’ diversification strategy The post China challenges must be managed if opportunities are to be sustained appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Gas is good until 2050 and beyond, under Albanese gas strategySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government is talking up the crucial role of gas as a transition fuel “through to 2050 and beyond”. In a gas strategy to be released on Thursday, the government envisages the fuel’s ...9 hours ago
- Wellington zoning changes backed by minister, but not all are happy with decisionsThe capital will get more housing including six-storey buildings and minimum front and side yard requirements in high-density residential zones. ...12 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: James Paterson on prospects for passage of the government’s deport...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Next week the government will again next try to get its legislation through to deal with non-citizens who won’t cooperate with efforts to deport them. The bill, which the opposition and crossbench refused to rush ...15 hours ago
- NZCTU Launch Project To Set Out Alternative Vision For AotearoaA long-term project that will set out an alternative vision for Aotearoa that looks beyond the narrow confines of the policy straight jacket adopted by successive governments. ...17 hours ago
- Yes, Australia’s big supermarkets have been price gouging. But fixing the problem won’t be easySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bree Hurst, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Law, QUT, Queensland University of Technology TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock A much-awaited report into Coles and Woolworths has found what many customers have long believed – Australia’s big supermarkets engage in price gouging. What started ...17 hours ago
- The government wanted to avoid an inquiry into its deportation bill. Given the findings, it’s easy...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Ghezelbash, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney The Albanese government wanted to avoid an inquiry into its migration amendment bill. The report, handed down yesterday by a senate committee that ...17 hours ago
- Senate report on lobbying passes the buck on improving transparency or legislationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne Lobbying is at the heart of government. Who has access to and influence over key government officials shapes the decisions governments make – and how they make them. The ability to influence ...17 hours ago
- Ngāti Toa rallies against Fast Track Approvals BillIwi would not allow the government to degrade its whenua, moana or awa for the purpose of urban development, ministers were told. ...18 hours ago
- Free school lunches: Labour MP apologises over 'offensive' Hamas tweet to SeymourDuncan Webb had queried if the ACT leader did not like hummus because it is too close to Hamas. ...18 hours ago
- Australia’s Eurovision entry this year is the first to sing in First Nations language: meet Electr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myfany Turpin, Associate Professor, Ethnomusicology, Linguistics and Ethnobiology, University of Sydney The act representing Australia at this year’s Eurovision contest has sadly not qualified for the grand final. Yet for Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross, the duo that makes up Electric Fields, ...19 hours ago
- Labour claims win as govt commits to new free school lunches modelThe Labour Party is claiming a win for its campaign that the government commit to keeping and funding free school lunches. ...19 hours ago
- A definitive list of woke and non-woke foodsIn announcing changes to the school lunches programme, David Seymour said kids would no longer be served ‘woke’ foods. To clear up any confusion, The Spinoff has compiled a guide to the wokeness levels of some common food items. Apple = NOT WOKE Avocado = WOKE Avocado, smashed = EVEN ...20 hours ago
- Future of the planet more important than the Greens survival, former co-leader James Shaw saysFormer Green Party co-leader James Shaw calls out tribalism and hyper-partisanship - including in his own party. ...20 hours ago
- Fourth urgent inquiry by the Waitangi Tribunal, this time on Māori wardsThe Tribunal is conducting another urgent inquiry into plans to require councils to hold a binding referendum on Māori wards. ...20 hours ago
- NCSC Briefs IPAC Representatives On Response To Malicious Cyber ActivityThe Minister Responsible for GCSB and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security have been notified of this review, and have been provided a finalised Terms of Reference. ...20 hours ago
- How is China being taught at Australian universities? And why does this matter? Here’s what our re...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Minglu Chen, Senior Lecturer, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Robert Way/Shutterstock As the past few years have illustrated so clearly, the Australia-China relationship is complicated. As such, it is crucial for Australians to develop a more nuanced understanding of ...20 hours ago
- Saving the Mary River turtle: how the people of Tiaro rallied behind an iconic speciesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mariana Campbell, Research Lecturer, Conservation, Charles Darwin University Marilyn Connell Australian freshwater turtles are facing an alarming trend. Almost half of these species are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) is one of Australia’s ...20 hours ago
- Why are algorithms called algorithms? A brief history of the Persian polymath you’ve likely never ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Debbie Passey, Digital Health Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Algorithms have become integral to our lives. From social media apps to Netflix, algorithms learn your preferences and prioritise the content you are shown. Google Maps and artificial intelligence are nothing without ...21 hours ago
- Neuroaffirming care values the strengths and differences of autistic people, those with ADHD or othe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josephine Barbaro, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, Psychologist, La Trobe University Unsplash We’ve come a long way in terms of understanding that everyone thinks, interacts and experiences the world differently. In the past, autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactive disorder ...21 hours ago
- ‘Reckless’ kina devaluation spells disaster for PNG, says NomanePNG Post-Courier Papua New Guinea’s deputy opposition leader James Nomane has accused the government of “reckless economic management” that has forced devaluation to manage loan repayments in foreign currency and placate the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prime Minister James Marape “must stop lying to the people of Papua New Guinea”, ...21 hours ago
- Modernising Census – Stats NZFrom today, members of the public can have their say on what Aotearoa New Zealand’s census could look like in the future. ...21 hours ago
- ‘I do love a good funnysad novel’: Jane Arthur on her favourite booksWelcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Jane Arthur, author of Brown Bird, and former bookseller at Good Books. The book I wish I’d written I have been working on not comparing myself to others. On accepting that what I can ...21 hours ago
- RMA Minister rejects Wellington council's bid to remove heritage protections from buildingsCouncil did not provide sufficient evidence to support its reasons for removing the 10 buildings from the Heritage schedule, Chris Bishop says. ...21 hours ago
- War for Wellington: Minister approves sweeping upzoning, rejects heritage changesThe final decision on the Wellington District Plan makes it official: High-density housing is legal across most of Wellington. Housing minister Chris Bishop has announced his decision on the Wellington District Plan, approving a series of amendments to radically upzone most of Wellington, allowing tens of thousands of new townhouses ...22 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards Analysis – Following the political moneyAnalysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz) Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to ...22 hours ago
- Free school lunches: Year 7 students and above to shift to alternative modelA new interim delivery model will kick in next year to allow time for a full redesign of the scheme before any more money is dedicated. ...23 hours ago
- Rafah ‘last place of safety’ in Gaza, UN aid boss warnsRNZ News As Israel presses ahead with strikes in Rafah and seizing the Rafah crossing from Egypt, aid agencies are sounding the alarm of a “catastrophic humanitarian situation”. Rafah was “significant” because it was the only part in Gaza that had not been terribly damaged by the conflict, United Nations ...23 hours ago
- Foreign Affairs minister to lead Pacific delegationThe Foreign Affairs minister is heading on a five-stop Pacific tour, which he says will strengthen New Zealand's engagement in the region. ...23 hours ago
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China has been screwed by the West during it’s history. With 5 eyes spying on everyone, I guess a wise counter move to have Chinese individuals being in parliament to spy on the spys. Shows how pointless all this spying is. Give Groser a bottle of wine and you could get all NZ secrets and a binding trade agreement in your favour to boot.
Under National our international reputation is shot. We are now the land of yokel farmers run by corrupt blokes with not too many brains up top, giving away assets that will be very valuable in the future.
What’s wrong with having an ex- diplomat from China as one of our MPs? We may find that we have an Australian in there somewhere. China is a close ally and I suppose this Chinese person has nationalised or he couldn’t be in the National Party.
greywarshark:
I agree, this attack on Jian Zhang is horse shit.
FFS can we please move on?.
Woa, allegation that a Parliamentarian may be a spy and you think no questions should be asked?
Mickey Savage:
The questions did happen,
Horseshit was proved.
Lets move on.
No wonder you did not get chosen for Labour.
A pratish comment.
FFS grow up.
Read what Idiot Savant says on that topic: the allegation is irrefutable, the timing suspicious.
One Anonymous Bloke,
we have rats in our attic.
Wife, we don’t have a attic.
As I/S put it:
Or, he is a Chinese spy.
What would exonerate him in your eyes?
Nothing. Like Caesar’s wife, our MPs loyalty must always be beyond question. His failure to reveal his years working for Chinese military intelligence demands his immediate expulsion from the house.
Agree with that 100%, Sanctuary
Except National just released a cv from 2012 which mentions it.
So he didn’t fail to reveal it. So I’ll ask you again: what would convince you he isn’t a spy?
In Australia he wouldn’t have been allowed to be in the federal govt because he wasn’t born there.
I’m not that hung up of needing to be born in a country to be in parliament because in NZ something like 1 in 4 weren’t born here *but* I don’t want people from spy organisations to be in parliament whether they are CIA or MI6.
NZers are just way too trusting.
And yet those same standards don’t apply to any member of the socialists or left leaning parliamentary parties observed by the state intelligence services?
@Tuppence – there are certainly one or two here who should never be considered for jury duty.
And yet those same standards don’t apply to any member of the socialists or left leaning parliamentary parties observed by the state intelligence services?
I presume they do. Can you point out which of them spent a decade at a CCP spy school?
Sanctuary you are correct.
A Chinese spy in the house?A sleeper?
Its all right, he’s not Russian
I’d be convinced that hes not a spy if he’s lived in an iron lung for 30 years. 🙂
Because they have a tendency to do what’s best for their home country and not what’s best for NZ.
No, they are not.
China is not a close ally, what planet do you live on greyrawshark?
Ally ! – in your dreams
The Chinese are following the same path the Japanese did in WW2 they called it then “The sphere of co-prosperity” The difference is the Japanese sent in the battleships and infantry first . The Chinese the other way round in my reckoning.
How much for a seat in your caucus Mr Key ? – our government will pay –
This has made me wonder about how many MPs have signed something like the Official Information Act, and can’t legally discuss their activities. I’m sure this guy is in the same spot. People who have been in the armed forces in other countries. Does this make them liable to pressure from those other nations? Would excluding them lead to a lack of the wide experience and background you want in MPs?
This particular story has the potential to raise a nationalist backlash that could be really unpredictable.
They certainly get around , these chaps , don’t they ,… nice key positions, I must say…
…………………………………..
… ” He was hand-picked by National Party president Peter Goodfellow to become an MP on its list in 2011, wooed directly by the former Prime Minister John Key and has been a key fundraiser for National among the Chinese community in Auckland ” …
…………………………………..
And seems to validate Bryan Bruce’s documentary ‘Who Owns NZ Now?’ even that bit more with Nationals peculiar stance towards Chinese interests in New Zealand.
The Falun Gong are a peaceful people , yet they were / still are imprisoned , tortured , murdered and harassed by the Chinese govt. When the Chinese PM arrived with his motorcades and body guards and NZ police escorts and stayed at a particular Auckland hotel , about 200 Falun Gong protester’s of all age groups gathered about 200 meters away.
Obviously that was as far as they were allowed to get.
They were not vocal , just standing with a few placards. That was all.
Then , lo and behold , up marches around 30 NZ police in military formation , who then proceeded to stand among them between their ‘ranks’.
It was so ironic that a peaceful people who stood up for democracy in their homeland and still had family being oppressed and who had had family and friends murdered , tortured , imprisoned and their womenfolk raped ,… were being intimidated by a modern so – called western democratic nations police force to protect a country whose human rights record is one of the worst on record.
And all that , … just so that arse lickers like Jon Key and Judith Collins could slime up to the Chinese govt to gain a few more grains of rice from under the Chinese govts table.
Jian Zhang says, “I have been nothing but upfront and transparent about my education and employment.”
In that party they are always upfront and proud of it. You know Bill English of Clutha fame , “Upfront, open and transparent” and Paula Bennett, “upfront and honest” …
Of course he means with his National masters not the people….
Espiocrats – even worse than kleptocrats. Robespierre, Beria, Bush, Putin…
Not just a diplomat. A spy. Also a major fundraiser and vote deliverer for National, handpicked by President Goodfellow.
Shades of Trump and Putin coming into this election now.
How do you, what do you, know about him a a fundraiser. Sounds as if he is a replacement for the Exclusive Brethren that were on side with National last time, with flyer deliveries if not more.
I suppose you could always read and watch the excellent Newsroom investigation if you were interested in facts?
The arm of the Left that refuses to think critically about how and why overseas interests gets served by governments because that would be “racist” is truly irredeemable.
Even bloody Stephen Franks got it on the Panel today.
Josie Pagani, on the other hand, “oh well China are a member of the UN and the ILO so he can’t be a spy! By the way I am doing an international law course at uni right now!”
To be an MP in this country, NZ citizenship is required, so I guess Dr Yang is a NZ citizen, having forfeited his Chinese citizenship. Or is duel NZ/Chinese citizenship allowed?
However his past work history in China is likely to raise some questions here.
Dual citizenship is allowed. IIRC, it never used to be but Labour had a candidate that was going to lose his position as he was about to get dual citizenship with another country and so they changed the law. I was, and still am, pissed off about that.
Dual citizenship was always allowed. It was taking the citizenship of another country while you were an MP that was forbidden.
That is what Harry Duynhoven did. He applied for and took Dutch citizenship.
A friend of mine, a lawyer and a QC, said to me that in his, admittedly cursory, reading of the Act, Duynhoven had forfeited his seat at the moment he took the Dutch citizenship and the effect of the Labour Government actions was to appoint a new member to an electorate seat.
Thanks for the clarification.
Which should have been illegal. It was most definitely immoral.
Governments don’t get to appoint representatives for very good reasons.
Alwyn – when I married my UK partner here in NZ I was given the opportunity of taking up UK citizenship and passport but it was on the proviso I gave up my NZ citizenship, as I had already had an OE on my NZ passport I was not at all inclined to relinquish it. So for all these years it has been so – I still hold a NZ passport. My partner did in the end obtain NZ citizenship but he still has had the luxury of dual-citizenship.
I may be able to go ahead with dual-citizenship now but I can assure you that was not the case in 1972, here in NZ.
I think what happened to you was probably a vagary of UK rather than New Zealand law. It may have been related to being in New Zealand at the time you got married. I wouldn’t know about their rules.
However New Zealand has always allowed dual citizenship.
If you have a look at this link in the bit under dual citizenship and renunciation of citizenship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_nationality_law
This has applied since 1949. I know several people who got British citizenship during the period you are talking about without having to surrender their New Zealand citizenship or passport. The difference was that they were in the UK at the time, and they got it through their parents or grand parents having been born there.
If you look at the renunciation bit you will find that you would have been unable to renounce your New Zealand citizenship anyway until AFTER you had the British version. You can’t become stateless, even for a moment.
Out of general curiosity I just clicked the National Party/Profile link on his suitably vague wikipedia page…
404 Error. That page was not found.
The page you were looking for was not found. That’s all we know.
‘That’s all we know’…cute.
Not a sausage about his time at Engineering College or the Luoyang language institute.
https://web.archive.org/web/20130214081520/http://www.national.org.nz/Bio.aspx?Id=101921
Mr Jian Yang says talk to my boss, talk to my boss, declares he has nothing to hide, but he won’t answer questions. And bolts.
joe90 @ (10) … now which boss would that be? Bill English? Or his boss in the Chinese government?
Well, we can certainly see that the left are getting desperate.
Meet Micky Savage, New Zealand’s own version of Joe McCarthy.
President Eisenhower’s gave the best comment about McCarthy. I believe it applies just as much to you.
“I will not get in the gutter with that guy.”
Well, we can certainly see that you think “the Left” is some kind of hive mind, and you’re delusional, because I agree: this is straight out of the gutter.
Yeah. Well I was going to put something other than “the left” that was rather more specific but I thought it might get me banned, and I would hate to miss the last couple of weeks of the most fascinating election campaign I can remember.
So no. I don’t really think there is a hive mentality.
Well there is more unanswered question in here than a working Paaaartaay on Tax.
aiwyn,
Well said, A prat is always shown up in times of stress.
A strong even person stays strong and even.
The stress is put aside.
In that case you’ve been shown up multiple times , – as has alwyn.
Nah. NZF isn’t really Left, and this is more their thing. Us-vs-them, asian invasion, etc.
Somehow, I don’t think Eisenhower would have regarded investigating someone who’d spent years at a Chinese Communist Party spy school as “getting in the gutter.”
He was investigated. That would have been some time ago. Funny how it’s just being reported now. I wonder who’s below him on the list.
Funny how it’s just being reported now.
Funny indeed. Suggests National sat on it, assuming SIS secrecy rules would prevent the media finding out about it. Always a stupid assumption.
You could say that of course they didn’t want to put the info out there themselves, because who’s going to want to elect to the NZ Parliament a guy who spent years at a Chinese Communist Party spy school? But hat’s irrelevant – you bet lots of us don’t want to put someone with that history into government, and if we’re about to we have a right to know about it. Fucking stupid of National to try and just slip it past us without mentioning it.
I’m picking someone lower down their list wants him gone.
Wouldn’t be surprised, in fact you could easily picture low-ranked Nat list MPs paying Simon Lusk for exactly that kind of advice on how to improve their ranking.
I would think that this investigation was probably reported to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee.
One of the members, by statute, is the Leader of the Opposition. What has Jacinda been up to? Or was it Andrew, her predecessor on the committee.
An alternative is another member of the Committee who is, surprise, surprise, The Right Honourable Winston Peters.
I would suspect that the leak has come from one of those two. They would know and would have an interest in smearing a National MP.
Good question it is very likely that only the speaker and the SIS ministers knew about the allegation. Any proof anyone else knew? Otherwise stop smearing.
Pray tell me. What do you think that the Committee is for?
I think that it would have been briefed. The oversight of the agencies is what it is for after all.
Of course no Government has ever allowed us to know the full details.
You will have noted in the legislation that the agencies are required to provide information about their activities to the Leader of the Opposition.
Do you have any proof of you proposal?
Let me put it this way. It is a great deal more likely that they were briefed that that some low level list candidate from the National Party both knew about it and leaked it as some of the more hyper contributors to this post are suggesting.
Bullshit.
As far as I’m aware the SIS provide their minister, who happens to be Chris Findlayson, with the information. Out of courtesy they probably also inform the PM of the day. If it is ultra sensitive they may not inform anyone else. It would then be up to the minister and PM what they do with the information. There is no guarantee they are going to pass it on to the committee. They should of course, but this govt. has proven to be a law unto itself and has little regard for protocol when it doesn’t suit them.
As for the “low level list candidate”. He is a National Party MP and almost certainly was passing on information about personnel and activities meant only for the perusal of the committee members and perhaps the ‘Five Eye’ nations.
In my book that is a treasonable offence.
Why don’t you have a look at the responsibilities of the Intelligence and Security Committee. It is all on the Parliamentary website. Then you might wish to alter your bit about “As far as I’m aware the SIS provide their minister, who happens to be Chris Finlayson, with the information” as you should be a bit better informed.
“low level list candidate”. I wasn’t describing the gentleman being smeared as being a low-level list member.
I was referring to the phantom some people are claiming was the leaker of the information, under the hypothesis that they were trying to get rid of Jian Yang in order to boost their own chances of getting into Parliament.
Examples of this line are
https://thestandard.org.nz/national-mp-jian-yang-was-investigated-by-sis-for-possible-ties-to-chinese-government/#comment-1383210
and
https://thestandard.org.nz/national-mp-jian-yang-was-investigated-by-sis-for-possible-ties-to-chinese-government/#comment-1383279
Yes,… if Eisenhower’s farewell speech is anything to go by , he was quite concerned at the undemocratic ideology he felt he had to guard against , – aka the former Soviet Union.
My how times have changed,… now we have far right wing nut jobs like alwyn and billmurray protecting and sticking up for the communists ,- and accusing people of the left as being fascists !!!
L00L !
Have you ever actually read his farewell speech?
I suggest you do so again if you once did read it.
Even the Green Party would applaud such sentiments as
“you and I, and our government — must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow”.
The main theme wasn’t Russia. It was the fear of the Military-Industrial complex in the US.
Here it is. Read it right through won’t you.
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/dwightdeisenhowerfarewell.html
Yes , alwyn ,… we already KNOW it was talking about the military industrial complex as a central theme towards the end,… ….but before that he was making obvious pointed observations of an evil foreign and undemocratic ideology ( which in some aspects suits both scenarios I will admit ) ,… and that , at the time , was during the early Cold War ( which as we all know went on to come to full fruition with the Kennedy era Cuban missile crisis) .
As an aside , …. its interesting you chose to quote :
“you and I, and our government — must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow”.
Now , what current New Zealand Govt does that remind you of ?…
With its dirty waterways and mad rush to maximize land use and water resources for maximum profit at the expense of the environment?…
Yes Alwyn, and those who have studied history know what a conflict exists between what Eisenhower preached and what he actually did.
And whats wrong with calling a bunch of Chinaphiles like National and their surreptitious Chinese spy plants for what they are, – as in sell outs of our national security and sovereignty ?
PS:
Soon you will be relieved from all the pain.
And that dreaded thing you hate most , – public awareness of crony capitalism will be front and foremost. They say ,… a pus filled boil is far less painful when lanced than left to fester. And then when laws are passed to prevent foreign speculation on our housing markets,… those responsible for wrecking our young peoples chances of ever owning thier own homes will be revealed also.
Happy days.
Its not my story. The Financial Times and Newsroom deemed it important. Are you suggesting that this site should make no comment whatsoever about it?
To everyone who thinks it’s fine to have a Chinese government spy in the New Zealand Parliament, ask yourself if it would be OK if the situation were reversed. Would the Chinese Communist Party be happy to have a New Zealand spy in their ranks?
No, they’d be taken outside and shot at the first opportunity. China, as many people forget, is a nasty authoritarian dictatorship that continues to commit gross human rights violations and ruthlessly crush any dissent from CCP rule.
National’s “Blue Dragons” essentially function as the New Zealand branch of the Chinese Communist Party. As they grow in political influence we can look forward to greater lobbying to sell NZ land and residential property to Chinese interests; further campaigning for NZ to adopt China’s viewpoint on its illegal South China Sea grab; and increased pressure for the NZ leadership to avoid meeting with the Dalai Lama and discussing Tibet or developing relations with Taiwan.
If New Zealand wishes to retain any semblance of being a liberal democracy, it should stand up to China on issues where it acts illegally and immorally, rather than acquiescing to all of its demands in order to sell more dairy products.
Same goes for the USA.
Yep. But Americans still can and do call Donald Trump an arsehole in public without consequence.
Try doing the same with Xi Jinping if you’re Chinese. It’s only a matter of hours before you’ll be executed and your family jailed for life. Or you’ll have your organs harvested for transplants to high-ranking Communist Party officials.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liu_Xiaobo
.. ” Would the Chinese Communist Party be happy to have a New Zealand spy in their ranks? ” …
Well , judging by the official ‘ concerned ‘ response of the Chinese govt when John Keys govt was caught red handed spying for the USA via the 5 eyes spy agreement ,… most definitely not.
But this is ‘ bend over forwards’ NZ , mate … we’ve got our pants down and open for anybody.
I wonder if a NZ born person with dual citizenship could even get into the Communist Party there.
QFT
Chinese citizens cannot hold dual nationality. In order to take citizenship in another country, they must renounce their Chinese citizenship. This is why many Chinese people in NZ prefer to remain as permanent residents rather than taking NZ citizenship. Not Dr Yang though – he holds a NZ passport.
I’m sure China will give him another passport when he retires from spying on NZ and goes home to China.
You got it.
Why would he do that? Won’t China need their own governor?
Christ! That thought genuinely frightens me.
Agreed, but we are a very small country and having let the Trojan horse in so far, we have made it hard to reverse policies in this context. Our government has placed NZ in a very parlous situation. Knowingly allowing a member of the Peoples’ Liberation Army (or as a friend of mine who worked in China at the time of Tianamen Square calles them, the Peoplles’ Liquidation Army) to become an elected member of Parliament is most unfortunate to say the least. How cynical is this government?
How did Newsroom get to hear about the SIS’s interest in this fellow Jian Yang?
Operational matters are strictly top secret. Somebody must have pimped.
This is at least the second political ‘hit’ they’ve been involved in, the other being the attack on Winston Peters.
Who said it was the SIS who leaked the information about Peters? Somebody in DSW leaked the info. to the ministers and the Nat’s DP machine took it from there. It’s obvious. The DSW will deny it of course.
I meant Newsroom.
Got it.
Try Jacinda Ardern, her predecessor Andrew Little or Winston Peters. All were, or are, members of Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee who would have been briefed on any such investigation.
Any proof they were briefed? Otherwise you should be very careful …
Yep ,… pimping s all the fashion these days , – they learned good from C.Slater and his Daddy’s Nat party colleagues just how to do it .
Read the newsroom story. Of course he is a spy, anyone who concludes differently is a gullible fool. Things like the planting and introduction to people like Peter Goodfellow of big spenders like Jian Yang who just so happened to have spent 16 years training as a spy (and never got around to mentioning it) don’t happen by chance when the aggrandizing Chinese Communist Party is involved.
Of course he is a spy,…
With a background like that there’s no way he couldn’t be a spy. 😀
Last night’s poll revealed the loons who masquerade as members of the left; perhaps this story will reveal some of the racist bigots.
Reeks of Dirty politics to me.
L0L !… The inverted ‘race’ card , eh , Lurk?
A not so subtle or opaque way to use sanctimonious falsehood and ignoble aesthetics to achieve ones own pecuniary gains , eh?
Yeah , we’ve had 33 years of that sort of droll lie.
And most people get the punchline the first time they heard it.
You know ,… the one about the neo liberal joke.
New Right Fight – Who are the New Right?
http://www.newrightfight.co.nz/pageA.html
I don’t think the left are immune to racism.
But they ARE on the whole immune from using the race issue sanctimoniously to advance their pecuniary interests , – unlike the far right who feign morals and values to achieve their objectives , – then happily dump those same values and moral when they are no longer needed.
Who’s using the race issue sanctimoniously to advance their pecuniary interests on this thread? Why are you jabbering about this? It seems irrelevant.
Though – for what it’s worth – I think more than a few lefties have used the race issue sanctimoniously to advance their pecuniary interests. It’s called employment in academe.
Kauri swamp logs ring a bell ?
Water deals ?… and that gnasty tax Jacinda is thinking of slapping on bottled water to make foreign owned company’s pay their fair share in using OUR water ?
And what was that thing about a $100,000.00 fictitious bottle of wine and donations to the Labour party by a particular Chinese businessman a few years back ?
It seems either you have a poor memory , are new to NZ politics , – or deliberately selective in what you choose to recall.
Seems to be quite a problem within the National party ,.. from Mr Key forgetting texts he made the same day , … to Mr English forgetting if he knew about a particular tape recording…
A lot like a lot of other issues which could be mentioned whenever National party senior ministers have been caught out ,… the dreaded amnesia seems to automatically kick in. And these guys are running a country ?!!?… thank goodness they will soon be gone.
You’re rambling off down some obscure and fairly irrelevant by-way. Try to stay on topic.
Yes Mod.
Please Mod,…may I use recent historical examples to illustrate my point about govt corruption or could that be too potentially embarrassing to those I think are desperate political hypocrites seeking to win another election to carry on their skulduggery?
Yep , lurkie , … that’s the great thing about being a center left nationalist who believes in social democracy with a Keynesian based economic system… its hell on the neo liberals and globalists. Got em all f@cked. No matter which way they try to spin it.
Happy days.
I’m sure the story will be clearer after a few days. But Newsroom says he didn’t mention this on his CV. In fact two periods at the university are mentioned on his CV which has been online since 2012. The SIS investigation on the face of it looks serious, but they do investigate a lot of people. They would note be doing their jobs if they didn’t investigate him. So until more comes out, this story is just ‘blah’.
The statement above has proven to be completely wrong as English has released his CV to the media which clearly discloses his time at the Army-Air Force Engineering College.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96800358/national-mp-jian-yang-slams-defamatory-claim-he-was-trained-by-chinese-spies
Not a very good spy if he can’t cover up those apparently incriminating details.
What a load of nonsense.
Awww… lets just be a little more soft hearted , then eh?
Why not have a few more Russian and Israelis spy’s,… throw in a few from North Korea or Iran ,… hell !…. why not go the whole hog and have a whole wing of parliament dedicated to ‘ ex’ spys from every country round the globe?
And why not ?… this is New Zealand , mate , and were known as the happy down trou forward benders internationally already because of National.
Holy Roly , – We’re even called NZ Inc on the Wall Street Stock market ! So lets go all open slather !
Your evidence of him being a spy is about as robust as your evidence of Reid Research faking their polls.
That means it isn’t very robust, in case you were wondering.
Are you a rightwing sock puppet employed to make this place look silly?
I can suggest that because I’m applying your own rules of evidence – just make it up if you want to.
You are assuming I said he was,… in fact if you read it correctly I’m implying that this whole National party fixation with Chinese business interests leads to this sort of thing.
Also ,… the peculiar schizophrenia from National about having imbalanced trade relations , – indeed a Free Trade Deal with China on the one hand , – and on the other , – merrily spying away for the USA on China with the other hand.
Rather duplicitous of them , don’t you think?
And just as Bryan Bruce’s documentary ‘Who Owns NZ Now?’ demonstrates National party lies and duplicity , this latest simply shores up what most of us have suspected all along.
We have a lying , corrupt National party government comprised of individuals who have only collected governmental salary’s at the tax payers expense to forward their own vested interests, – and thankfully soon to be gone.
Now then,… that doesn’t really seem all that too sock puppety , … does it now.
You weren’t calling him a spy? Sorry, must have misunderstood what you meant when you posted, “whats wrong with calling a bunch of Chinaphiles like National and their surreptitious Chinese spy plants for what they are.” What ‘spy plants’ are you referring to?
Beyond that, I have no idea what point you are trying to make here. I doubt you do either.
That’s right , – and what indeed is wrong with calling them that?
As they may or may not be,… but going on past performance with Nationals lies involving two recent Prime Ministers ?
I think there’s a fairly strong case for them ( Nats ) to answer for.
Don’t you?
So, when you weren’t calling him a spy, you were calling him a spy?
What does 2 + 2 equal in your world? 5, or 3?
I don’t think this clown is a threat but does it not concern you that the country he comes from instructs him to lie on application forms, and indeed has no democracy whatsoever?
Or are you one of these RWNJs who don’t have an issue with corruption in NZ until it gets to African levels?
Has it been proven that he lied? As far as I can make out, not much has been confirmed, just lots of Dirty Politics swirling round the pan.
I refused to vote Labour in 2008, and haven’t voted for them since, due to Clark’s pursuit of a FTA with China. Work it out for yourself.
He admitted to lying and hid behind the Chinese ‘system’.
I’ve worked it out alright. You voted for Key three times as ‘punishment’. People like you disgust me and if there is a change in government I’ll laugh hardest and longest at you.
I voted for Key three times? What is your source for this information?
Nice one Wild
Even Karla had a little drummer girl. It’s hard to have a perfect backstory – life gets in the way.
Why is anyone surprised such a spy might pop up? A specialist in human intelligence, inserted as a swanky successful Chinese businessman, he “happens” to attract the immediate attention of two starry eyed money worshippers in John Key and Peter Goodfellow, and it just so “happens” he is of like mind to that pair of rapacious Nats with $$$ in their eyes, and he donates lots.
Having greased the palms, he gets into parliament as a low profile list MP. The local Chinese know whats up. They are falling over themselves to ingratiate themselves as loyal Blue Dragons with the guy who clearly reports to Beijing.
Spies are not like James Bond. Spies do stuff like prepare inside information and work out who did and said what where. New Zealand is a key five eyes partner of the United States. Having a spy sitting in the caucus of the governing party, feeding back character assessments, foibles, weaknesses, power dynamics etc etc etc would be gold, especially when the Chinese know that how our well profiled politicians react to an issue that is informed by five eyes intelligence would provide a good guide to how the wider five eyes alliance is swallowing a story, or what it knows, or otherwise.
Precisely Sanctuary – a text book analysis of your typical foreign spy. He won’t be the only one in NZ and God only knows how many there are in Aussie. That he made it into parliament so easily is testament to the naivety of the governing party – unless they’re in on a deal with the Chinese government. They do have a penchant for doing deals. Eg. Judith Collins.
“…That he made it into parliament so easily is testament to the naivety of the governing party…”
I think National are particularly vulnerable to wealth, because they worship money like a God. But that is how honey traps work. You bait the trap with what the target likes. We’d be fools if we didn’t think they’d try a profile more suited to the left if Labour was in power and looking like staying there for a decade.
The wide-eyed credulity of the National party and the money hungry right like Jenny Shipley has a mirror on the left, because they share with the wider public a general naivety and a refusal to believe that anyone might want to hurt us, covert what we’ve got or plan to do us harm. New Zealanders think to know us is to love us, we are harmless lovable outdoors types that everyone likes.
The right thinks that if we behave like a reliable and slightly stupid Labrador, and the left think that if we preach internationalism and send a Hercules to disaster areas then we’ll be left alone.
But people do want what we’ve got. We do have enemies – we are a member of the five eyes, we regularly take part in the policing of the Anglo-Saxon global empire, we do have those who covet what is ours for themselves.
I think National are particularly vulnerable to wealth, because they worship money like a God. But that is how honey traps work….
And didn’t it work a treat! Of course he’s been rendered inoperative now so expect we will see him ‘moving on’ before too many months/years have passed.
Shit Anne you and Sanctuary have really got the handle on this one.
Very good well thought out opinions
+111
Well put Sanc.
Growing evidence of what was suspected all along. Nats *are* bankrolled and heavily influenced by a foreign power. Explains a lot…
Bill Liu, money laundering, foreign speculators, gambling, Oravida, etc etc ad nauseam
It is not xenophobia. NZ is the target of textbook political subversion and propaganda.
Idiot Savant hit the nail on the head. First the verdict, then the trial.
Bit ironic, given we’re not the PRC …
Yeah, but under National we’re well on the way to becoming a colony of the PRC.
I wouldn’t want someone trained at West Point or any other substantial connection to the US security apparatus as an MP here. And I’m US/NZ dual national. Similarly, close connections to the DGSE or Mi6 or any other foregn security should be enough to remove anyone from consideration as a candidate for Parliament.
So I’m freshly surprised at how careless with NZ’s future National have been by putting this guy on their list in a high enough place to get him into Parliament.
And here I was ging to run for office once I got citizenship. As far as my former colleague Jian is concerned–I reserve judgement. His career prior to arrival in NZ has certain parallels to my own, and I am not, as far as I checked, a “spy.” What the SIS needs to do is confirm his status because now that it is being questioned in public there is no point in keeping the information confidential for operational reasons.
Gotta admit, were you to run for Parliament here, it would provoke a lot of soul-searching on my part about making exceptions to general principles. Because I value the work you have done using your background to show another view on international events. Which would bring a valuable perspective to parliament. But in the end, if it were to come down to it, probably the general principle would prevail for me. Sorry.
But I’m not aware of any instances of Dr Yang helping inform the public debate using his background. By contrast, his public activities with groups like the Blue Dragons raises further questions around where his motivations and allegiances really lie.
Ha Ha, you got me there. I once asked Jian after he was in parliament if the Nats were using his expertise (since he has authored several good (objective) books and articles about Chinese foreign policy in the South Pacific). He laughed and said something to the effect of “no, they just use me to raise money from the Chinese and to sit on housing committe chin wags” (because he is a landlord in Auckland). He lamented to me the toll being an MP took on his family life, as he and his son live in Wellington while his wife and daughter live in Ak. Good cover story, I guess.
But one measure of a human intel operator is that they react calmly and cooly to confrontations about their bona fides, be it from the media or others. Jian’s defensive reaction and the heavy handed PR exercise with that Ross wookie hovering over him (and ending the IV) indicates to me that he is more of a deer in the headlights than a seasoned humint professional. Perhaps that is the way the PRC works with its diaspora agents, but I think that his problems stem mostly from trying to hide his past association in order to get citizenship because he was scared that if he was truthful that he would be denied. As always, that was his error because it is the cover up that gets uncovered first, then the explaining has to begin and does not often suffice.
I have heard that the source of the leak on his past came from another NZ academic. Professional rivalries coming home to roost perhaps? Who said that academics is all cheese and crackers?
In any event, here is my take on things: http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2017/09/is-he-a-spy/
And here, none other than Winston Peters is claiming the Labour party leaked the details about Yang, as retaliation for Natz saying the labour leader is a socialist activist! (This bit is about 3/4 down the page of the article).
I trust Peters has some solid evidence to support his claim?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11921843
mary_a
If anything, that Peters; “suggested”, that Labour might be involved in leaking Yang’s background to the media, suggests to me that NZF themselves might have been behind it. Though, on the basis that; whipping up a yellow peril furor during the election is clearly in the interests of this party, I already had suspicions in that direction.
It could be Labour or Winston.
They both have members on Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee and certainly would have been briefed on any such investigation.
Take your pick. They both have an interest in smearing the current Government.
Not necessarily. This one involves a National Party MP. Ultra sensitive. The SIS would have passed on the information to Findlayson as their minister – and the PM who was probably still John Key. The full committee may not have been informed of this particular investigation.
Newsroom will never divulge who told them unless there is a formal inquiry.
Could be anyone lower on the list than he is couldn’t it alwy.
I’ve been saying it for years, the national party is a front for communism….
“Yang said his students were simply monitoring communications, rather than carrying out “the physical act of spying”.
“If you define those cadets or students as spies, then yes, I was teaching spies.”
But Yang said he did not consider those students to be spies, personally. “They were collecting information.”
Goodness gracious!
If only Mata Hari had thought of this compelling argument, she might have escaped the firing squad. Sad!
“I can understand [how] people can be concerned because they don’t understand the Chinese system. But once they understand the system they should be assured this is nothing, really, to be concerned about.”
Crikey!
😆
I vote “Totalitarian rule is nothing, really, to be concerned about” as most appropriate National Party motto for the current team.
+111
Or, he meant that people who grow up in totalitarian countries don’t have as much career flexibility as you’re used to.
For centuries the Chinese government has adhered to format of extra-territorialty where it has claimed jurisdiction over anybody of Chinese extraction anywhere in the world. The latest demonstration of this occurred last month in Fiji where 70 Chinese expats where rounded up by Chinese police and shipped back to China without any Fijian warrants or extraditions.
The expectation from the Chinese government would be for Yang to be compliant to its requirements regardless of whether he had A NZ passport or a Chinese one.
It’s just in this case Yang has been more heavily involved in the secret service (and this connection is still recent) than many other NZ Chinese.
Goodfellow and Key were way to eager to enlist Yang.
This has shades of dirty politics all over it.
Slater! The dirtiest of them all!
Actually I’d say the National Party’s enablement of a Chinese government spy to enter NZ’s Parliament is closer to treason.
Correct.
Stupid question, but didn’t he sit of the defense committee?
And as such wouldn’t he be privileged to classified material?
Would such material include 5 eyes material?
What would that mean to our allies, if he did?
Yeah ,the Defence Committee for godsake, talk about positioning.
This is seriously deficient on Nationals part. If this was UK or US there would be so much shit hitting the fans it would put Irma to shame.
He’s a spy, he cannot avoid being a spy under the Chinese Government system to work there he must have been sworn in and you can’t walk away from those type of organisations.
I bet Dimwit Bill is getting so much strife from the US over this he must be vulnerable
to pressure and losing it in the next few days.
Seriously; the defense committee? That’s not in his wikipedia page; not that much is. The CV only says; “Member of Parliament”.
[edit] I see it now – eyes must have glazed over at that point:
As an MP he variously served on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (from 2014 until last year)…
The three most internationally sensitive portfolios.
1) Did the SIS tell Findlayson/Key/English about their concerns re- Jian Yang?
2) If so, did F/K/E ignore the SIS and do nothing about it or…
3) Was he removed from the above committees but allowed to stay as a list member?
3) Did this situation have any influence on Key’s sudden resignation?
There’s a lot of question requiring answers and NZers are entitled to have those answers.
This has always been my favourite Bond song 🙂
He has to resign.
Good media hit there.
Nah he’s a Tory remember. His mates at the Politburo must’ve been in stitches when he told them that one of his colleagues got caught using a dictaphone. In New Zealand, Get Smart is a reality show. 🙂
National-leaning NZ Chinese voters won’t appreciate the disloyalty.
National-leaning NZ Chinese voters probably know which side of their bread is buttered.
Heard Bill Talking To Donald on A meet-and-greet this arvo, lucky it’s not the duck shooting season…….
Maybe this is why we got such a crappy deal from TPPA?
Also… if he was a spy… do you think he would admit to being one? If he did, that would make him the world’s worst spy.
This from Bradbury was interesting (usual condiment recommendations apply):
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/09/13/so-nationals-blue-dragons-might-be-red-dragons-how-national-are-utterly-compromised-to-china/
Even if you can’t bring yourself to believe that The NZ national Party is in on this, you still have to accept that giving such a person as this access to our government is criminally negligent at the very least.
in east germany these guys were called “informal informants”. anyone over 15 and below 90 was one, and equally had a file on them in the vast archives of the Stasi. It always goes both ways, i assume the same with this guy. How much family has he got left in China?
Dead cat. Classic.
Curious to see who planted the story in the media. Plausible deniability.
This could be the real story.
Positive campaign?
Simon Lusk.
I read the story, then a lot of the comments. Of course I hesitate to comment because I am not anywhere near as educated or informed as all your writers and commenters. But as someone who clings to socialism and therefore is rather estranged from the modern, educated Labour Party, and as one still mired in the history of our country (again, educated people see that history no longer applies, no left, no right, no class etc ) I recall the efforts of the SIS against progressive workers – Bill Sutch, the trade union movement, the Vietnam war movement, Maori organisations – and I just can’t bring myself to trust them. And, naively, I think the infestation of our army, police, government departments, spy services, media and universities by your American masters of rather more threat to my country…but then, of course, it is not my country, it is yours….
Agree with you, it may be an age thing,amongst those who remember the days of a more independent NZ, when our socialism was a source of pride. After the 80’s it became a risible notion
Some doubt now over Yang’s citizenship application, re the name of the military institute he worked/taught at.
Lies, spies and alibis!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11922025
I find Yang’s defense a bit unconvincing:
“ever since then, I stick with my partner university”; except that in 2012 he didn’t. Concealing the truth because the “system” of a totalitarian state required you to, doesn’t really explain why he continued to do so in NZ when he was not subject to that system anymore. Until he became an MP, and had to provide a CV to the; New Zealand’s Embassy in China, who would presumably have the onground knowledge to be able to see through the ruse if he’d used the name of a partnership university.
This still doesn’t prove that he is a spy of course, though English’s reassurance isn’t very reassuring: “I think from early on I’ve been aware that he had military training including military intelligence”. He “thinks [he’s] been aware”? Was “early on” before or after Yang became an MP?
Yang is a NZ citizen but still says “I am Chinese”.
Send the mole back to his political masters in Beijing
ropata
Maybe he has dual citizenship? I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere if he does. He calls people examining his past a; “smear campaign” targeting him “just because I am Chinese”, but Pansy Wong was also a Chinese Nat, and I don’t recall her ever being called a spy (other things; yes, but not a spy).
The above was supposed to be a reply to mary_a @ comment 35, that’s why my quote had no link. This guardian article is worth reading too, for an idea of how this looks from an overseas perspective:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/13/china-born-new-zealand-mp-yang-jian-denies-being-a-spy
This will and should have reverberations in every democratic country dealing with China .
John Key has made it on to the international stage at last .
I am a Chinese, I don’t think MP Jian Yang is a spy or not,it is SIS’s job.But, He stayed in the China Army System at least 12 years ,and he also was a member of Communist Party, in my opinion he is not suitable for public service in NZ government or any western government. Every Chinese knows that Every Chinese in important position will be bribed or threaten by CCP and forced him to serve for MOTHERLAND.
Dead man walking….
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11922788
Who’s the serious looking bloke standing behind him?
Yeah. If Metiria Turei had to resign from parliament because she voted in the wrong electorate, Yang has got to go for falsifying his citizenship application. Having his citizenship revoked is not an unreasonable penalty for immigration fraud.
Bloke attempting to look serious next smirking Simon Bridges is Chris Bishop, former tobacco lobbyist for Philip Morris and National List MP.
Bugga, granny’s changed the image / video, on an earlier one there was a tall, serious bloke standing at Jian Yang’s right shoulder. A cropped version in still on the home page.
You don’t mean Jami-Lee Ross, Nat MP for Botany?
Hey Mickey,
I woke up to realise now that this NZ MP Jian Yang may be family of Yang Enterprises in USA who are snarled up in a voting fraud hacking case and is he trying this here now?
See these clips and the testomony abour ‘Yang Enterprises.
Fishy stuff may be connected?
Eugene Curtis – Yang Enterprises election fraud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7R1_ixtlyc
NZ MP Jian Yang – is he related to this family Yang Enterprises computer intelligence company carrying out voting fraud in USA?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7R1_ixtlyc
http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/florida_election_stolen.html
Updated December 21, 2004
(2017/05/15 17:15) The Newest Breaking News … for global hacking waveWashington PostPutin Blames … of the young developer Jian-Yang’s octopus …