'Not language we would use,' Ardern says after China warns about 'eyes being poked and blinded'

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealandࢀ™s relationship with China is about maintaining foreign policy independence, and being consistent and predictable. She was quizzed about latest developments after the Five Eyes intelligence partnership ࢀ" US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand ࢀ" said a new Chinese government resolution that led to the disqualification of four pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong appeared to be ࢀœ part of a concerted campaign to silence all critical voices ࢀ. Chinaࢀ™s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded by saying the five countries should ࢀœface up to the realityࢀ that the former British colony has been…