By Duncan Garner
The Chinese Government says it remains firmly interested in buying New Zealand farms despite the recent knock-backs.
The Chinese Embassy wheeled out a government spokesman today in a rare move, to tell New Zealander’s they have nothing to fear from Chinese investment.
The Chinese Embassy in Wellington has not always had an open door policy.
For only the second time, media were invited inside today to share cashews, biscuits and green tea.
The Chinese explained their economy is still strong despite the shudders in the US and Europe.
Then the Chinese explained they wanted to buy New Zealand farms.
The Chinese failed in their high profile bid to buy the Crafar farms.
Our Government then tightened the law to make it harder for foreigners to buy land here.
But the Chinese remain firmly interested and say Kiwis have nothing to fear.
“I think there has been a certain number of people in your country, those xenophobes who tend to be unreasonably fearful of Chinese investments,” says one diplomat.
Bill English says the Chinese do not own one farm here and may find it difficult to under the new tighter rules.
“We changed the rules the last year to make sure any investments are beneficial to New Zealand.”
The Chinese say that did not stop Mr English encouraging the Chinese to invest on a trip in April.
“He told the Chinese leaders that New Zealand welcomes Chinese investment.”
The Chinese have also renovated an old aircraft carrier from the Ukraine, telling 3 News that it is for patrolling it’s huge coastline.
They say they have no plans to send a ship to New Zealand at this stage.
And the Chinese had another message to New Zealanders who fear foreign investment.
They say Fonterra holds a near monopoly position on producing milk powder in the Chinese market - as if to say, why can’t they have some kind of stake here when it comes to buying farms?
3 News