The United Chinese Association, which represents 28 organisations, says New Zealand should follow the lead of South Africa, which refused the Dalai Lama a visa in February.
Association chairperson Steven Wong says the Dalai Lama spreads anti-Chinese government lies. He believes the visit could harm ties between New Zealand and China.
Mr Key says the Dalai Lama’s applications will be processed in the usual way, like everyone else.
He says New Zealand is a free and independent nation that can invite whomever it likes.
Radio New Zealand, April 3, 2009
Geez. That’s shameless. Who does Mr Key think he is?
[…] temporary, too, just as they are at Argentine Radio and TV, and disputes over journalistic content don’t appear to…