New Zealand stands opposed to new a law implemented by the sultan of Brunei to punish gay sex by stoning offenders to death, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

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Yesterday, Elton John joined George Clooney's call for the boycott of Brunei-owned hotels. Clooney is calling for the boycott of nine hotels in the US and Europe with ties to the sultan of Brunei.

Ms Ardern said the sultan's decision to punish gay sex by death, based on Islamic criminal laws, challenges two specific issues which New Zealand is opposed to.

"New Zealand has always stood against the death penalty, in all its forms, for any reason; New Zealand has also stood firmly in favour of the right of our rainbow community to live their lives, freely, openly and without fear for their safety," she told media while taking questions in China last night.

"Obviously, those two issues combined, that is significant for New Zealanders and something we stand opposed to."

The concerns have also been raised by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who called the law "seriously regrettable".

In China, the PM described talks with leaders as "constructive and warm".

She raised issues with New Zealand's Huawei decision, specifically on cybersecurity and New Zealand's process in the decision, as well as tourism and climate change.