Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says he has been in talks with China about a new aircraft it gifted to Tonga, after he raised concern about the aircraft's safety.
New Zealand has suspended $10 million in tourism aid to Tonga amid safety concerns about the MA-60 and has issued a travel advisory for New Zealanders using it.
Last month, the Chinese embassy in Wellington said New Zealand had acted improperly by making negative comments about the aircraft, which has had a negative effect on China's aviation reputation.
Mr McCully says he has raised the issue directly with authorities in China and is quite comfortable New Zealand is following a proper course.
He says he is seeking certification of the aircraft's safety from an internationally respected and independent certifier before tourism funding is restored.
