ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

MFAT draws up contingency plans to evacuate Kiwis from Hong Kong

Author
Barry Soper ,
Publish Date
Wed, 14 Aug 2019, 4:01PM
Hong Kong has been inundated with protests for weeks. (Photo / AP)
Hong Kong has been inundated with protests for weeks. (Photo / AP)

MFAT draws up contingency plans to evacuate Kiwis from Hong Kong

Author
Barry Soper ,
Publish Date
Wed, 14 Aug 2019, 4:01PM

As the situation in Hong Kong worsens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has drawn up contingency plans to evacuate Kiwis there if necessary.

NewstalkZB's political editor Barry Soper says Kiwis planning to travel to the Chinese territory are being told to check with their airlines after protesters invaded the terminals there. 

However, a court injunction on protesters who've closed the airport there has seen their numbers fall dramatically.

The concern comes after the build-up of Chinese paramilitary forces just 30 kilometres across the border from Hong Kong. The city's pro Beijing leader, Carrie Lam, saying this week they've been placed on a path of no return.

A number - some put the figure at 10,000 - of Hong Kong Chinese have New Zealand passports.

Many got them in the lead-up to independence from Britain in 1997, as an insurance against China exerting its domination of this pro-western city.

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you