Luxon calls Peters' comments about Chinese-born MP racist

Friday 31 July 2026 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated Fri 31 Jul, 5:07pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters, NZ First, Lawrence Xu-Nan

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described Winston Peters' remarks towards Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan as racist. Despite calls from figures like Don Brash to sack the Foreign Minister, Luxon expressed confidence in Peters and stated he will not remove him from his role.

How they headlined it

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1. 1News via RNZFri 31 Jul, 10:03am

   Peters 'inviting a sacking' with attack on Chinese-born MP - Helen Clark (opens in new tab)

   • 'Yes, I do': Luxon asked if he thinks Peters' remarks were racist (opens in new tab) Fri 31 Jul, 3:29pm
2. StuffFri 31 Jul, 12:39pm

   ‘Absolutely inexcusable’: Don Brash calls for Winston Peters’ sacking over China comments (opens in new tab)

   • Luxon expresses confidence in Peters as Foreign Minister, says his remarks were ‘racist’ (opens in new tab) Fri 31 Jul, 3:02pm
3. NZ HeraldFri 31 Jul, 5:07pm

   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Winston Peters’ comments about Chinese-born MP were racist (opens in new tab)