Exporters are hoping China and New Zealand can keep politics out of their longstanding trade relationship. It comes after the Government joined a group of United States allies pointing the finger at China for sponsoring cybercriminal activity around the globe. An analyst has suggested New Zealand may face trade repercussions over the confrontation, but the export and farming sectors hope any impact will be limited. Export New Zealand executive director Catherine Beard said the Government's decision to condemn China over cybercrime was a necessary but difficult step. China took more than $19 billion of New Zealand exports in the 12 months to June last year.

Source: Stuff July 20, 2021 19:30 UTC