Freedom or disrespect? Norman's protest debated

Russel Norman with the Tibetan flag at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Representatives of New Zealand's Chinese community and a pro-Tibetan group are at odds over whether Russel Norman's protest at Parliament last week showed a lack of respect or demonstrated enviable freedom.

The Green Party co-leader was caught in a scuffle with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's security when he approached the delegation while waving a Tibetan flag last Friday at Parliament.

Prime Minister John Key later apologised to the delegation, an act Dr Norman said was "degrading".

nzherald.co.nz readers have reacted strongly to the incident, contributing more than 200 comments since yesterday. Views have been split between those who say New Zealand should not have to apologise for a peaceful protest and others who criticised Dr Norman as rudely trying to intimidate a guest dignitary.

New Zealand Chinese Association national president Steven Young said many in the Chinese community considered Dr Norman to have "taken advantage of his privileged position" and he had not given enough weight to his responsibilities as an MP.

"The Chinese community, especially the part of the community that has been here a long time and grown up here, they fully understand the importance of freedom of speech. That's accepted," Mr Young said.

"At the same time, Chinese people generally think it's quite important to treat guests and visitors with respect," he said.

Dr Norman had greater privileges and responsibilities as an MP but had not behaved "how a Member of Parliament ought to", Mr Young said.

Dr Norman had overstepped the mark in the way he carried out his protest, he said.

But most in the Chinese community would not be surprised at the Green Party co-leader's protest and it had been a storm in a teacup, he said.

Friends of Tibet national chairman Thuten Kesang said the Chinese delegation should have known Dr Norman would protest, their security had overreacted by not simply walking past.

"Here is a man going to be one of the most powerful people in the world, yet he can't walk with his face held up in front of a flag," Mr Kesang said.

"It's not a threat to the Chinese vice president by shouting at him ... seeing a flag was enough for pain, in their eyes."

Respect went both ways, and the delegation should have respected the sovereignty of New Zealand, he said.

"The sovereignty of this nation was violated by letting their men attack one of our MPs. Respect goes two ways."

Mr Kesang said there were many in the wider New Zealand Chinese community who recognised that Dr Norman would be in prison had he conducted his protest in China.

"They know how lucky they are to be in this beautiful country with our freedoms."

China and New Zealand Business Council chairwoman Linda Zhang said Dr Norman's protest "could potentially undermine an increasingly close friendship between the two countries".

"Russel Norman's behaviour during the Chinese Vice President's visit at parliament was a bit over the top," Ms Zhang said.

She said his protest had overshadowed an otherwise constructive visit, and commended Mr Key's apology.

"I think our PM's response to this incident was totally appropriate and graceful, it showed his respect to our country's guests and his sincerity to the Chinese people. It should not be misinterpreted as 'degrading'. I felt touched by his response."

The "unpleasant incident" would not be a hurdle for the continuing development of friendship between New Zealand and China, she said.

New Zealand China Trade Association executive director David Catty said the association was confident that the incident would not have a detrimental effect on China New Zealand trade or overall relations.