Trade Minister Damien O'Connor says human rights issues are kept separate from our trading relationships with China and the Middle East.
Over 30 percent of New Zealand exports go to China, making us largely dependent on them.
Speaking on Newshub Nation on Saturday, O'Connor told host Simon Shepherd the Government speaks out on issues in China it opposes, such as the Xinjiang internment camps.
However, while New Zealand disagrees with China's human rights issues, O'Connor said China respects our right to trade commercially and we keep the trade relationship separate.
"I leave those issues for the most part to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. My job is to open the doors for commercial opportunities that underpin our country," O'Connor said.
When asked whether New Zealand will continue trading with China if President Xi Jinping invades Taiwain, O'Connor said the decision would be made at the time.
China has stepped up military pressure to try to force Taiwan to accept Chinese rule, which comes after a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The visit by Pelosi heightened concerns on the island about the prospect of an attack by its giant neighbour, which has not ruled out using force to bring democratically-governed Taiwan under its control.
O'Connor told Shepherd while he can't pre-judge what will happen if China did invade Taiwan, he is sure trade with both countries will continue.
"We have a very strong and healthy commercial relationship with both Taiwan and with China," O'Connor said.
"We have a one-China policy. We always respect it, but we have as a site very valuable commercial relationships that benefit not just New Zealand but the people buying our products.
"I'm sure that will continue, but we're not going to pre-judge what might happen."
O'Connor also said they are looking to open trade doors with the Middle East next. He said the government has been in talks with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and thinks we could make huge gains in technology.
Ultimately, when it comes to balancing commercial opportunity and human rights, O'Connor said it's something every country has to work through.
"You know, that balance is one of the things that not only New Zealand but every other country in the world is trying to work through in some really challenging and disruptive times."
Watch the full interview above.
