Muller ToddTODD MULLER (National—Bay of Plenty): The National Party joins with the other parties of the New Zealand Parliament in support of the parliamentary motion No. 1. Two days ago I had the privilege of attending the seventh annual China Business Summit in Auckland where our longstanding relationship with China was assessed through the lens of the last 50 years and the mutual challenges and opportunities which sit in front of us. I was reminded of our longstanding diplomatic relationship dating back to 1972 and our broader history which goes back even further. I listened to what China and New Zealand have built together over this time how our two countries have grown and our people succeeded together—in particular since the signing of the trade agreement in 2008. I reflected that in a world where people are increasingly at odds and where a shared sense of purpose has often been replaced with self-interest—and conflicts of self-interest—it remains as true as ever that an ability to engage and to discuss issues are critical to our ongoing peace and prosperity. But that peace and prosperity must be shared.The depth of our relationship has also allowed us to sit across the table from each other or alongside each other to discuss ideas or to raise concerns. It has meant we can have a frank discussion as two peoples who don't always agree but who have respect for each other and a willingness to listen and where necessary to be criticised. What also struck me while listening to the insights from businesses such as Alibaba and Guangxin Technology Co. and Fonterra and Zespri is that while analysts see trade in terms of billions of dollars and percentage of exports and the rise of e-commerce the true strength of our commercial and cultural connection is anchored in the relationships between our people—Chinese and New Zealanders Chinese New Zealanders and their families back home and the sharing of ideas and opportunities across borders in a world where those boundaries are increasingly impermeable. It is the strength of the personal relationship between New Zealand and Chinese people that has created our shared history. It is the depth of those personal relationships that will guide us through this difficult conversation because the conversation will be at times difficult.New Zealand is known for its willingness to walk softly amongst the hard paths of geopolitics but we walk our own path. We are known to speak with a measured tone and a manner that seeks to resolve and not to compound but we speak with our own voice. We speak it to those we believe should hear us but we do not seek to grandstand. But neither do we shirk from uncomfortable conversations and today this House speaks in one voice with our concerns about severe human rights abuses in China. We understand that China views any matter relating to its 1.4 billion people as entirely a matter for its own consideration but we share one planet and there are fundamental tenets of humanity that should not be constrained by borders or political systems or ideologies. This Parliament and the 5 million people we represent believe that it is a basic human right for people to feel safe in their homes to pray to whom they wish to pray to to hug who they love and to identify with a cultural tradition that best reflects their whakapapa and tūrangawaewae. We are very concerned that this is not a reality for the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities.Today is about raising our concerns respectfully but directly to our Chinese counterparts. Two days ago the Chinese ambassador said these concerns are unfounded but the National Party urges in unison with our parliamentary colleagues that China work with the United Nations and other international partners to confirm that the concerns of our community and this Parliament can be addressed and conditions significantly improved for the Uyghur people and other ethnic minorities.It is our hope that our voices here today are heard through the appreciation of our shared history the depth of our personal relationships and acknowledgment that we have always been able to speak to each other with mutual respect and reciprocity.