Free Trade and Falun Gong Intersect At Parliament
The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao answering questions from the NZ and Chinese media
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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.
Green MPs Sue Kedgley and Keith Locke prepare to delight the Chinese Premier with a colourful flag of Tibet
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Falun Gong protestors
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Those who turned up to welcome the Chinese Premier slightly outnumbered those who wished to make their voices heard in
a democratic protest
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Possibly the youngest protestor to turn up and exercise their democratic rights
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The Chinese Premier arrived in style and was whisked up Parliament's steps possibly not even catching a glimpse of the
well wishers and those not so keen to wish him well
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Later a mass scrum of New Zealand and Chinese media assembled to hear the NZ Prime Minister and the Chinese Premier
discuss human rights and free trade agreements
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark
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ENDS