Jian Yang (politician)
Jian Yang | |
|---|---|
| 杨建 | |
Photograph of Yang in 2010 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for National | |
| In office 26 November 2011 – 17 October 2020 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1962 (age 62) Jiangxi, China |
| Nationality | New Zealand China |
| Political party | New Zealand National Party |
| Other political affiliations | Chinese Communist Party |
| Occupation | Academic, politician |
Jian Yang (simplified Chinese: 杨健; traditional Chinese: 楊建; pinyin: Yáng Jiàn; born October 1962) is a Chinese New Zealander international relations academic, politician and a former member of the New Zealand House of Representatives. Before moving to New Zealand, he was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and worked for the People's Liberation Army, including training linguists to intercept foreign communications. He is a member of the National Party and was a National MP from 2011 until the 2020 general election, when he retired.
Several news outlets reported in 2021 that his retirement from Parliament came after intelligence agencies flagged concerns about his relationship with the Chinese Government, and was arranged as part of a deal between Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Opposition Leader Todd Muller that also involved Labour MP Raymond Huo leaving Parliament for the same reason.