His tenure as an MP has been clouded with questions over his links to Chinese spy agencies and his studies at Chinese military institutions. Yang has always said these associations are above board.
"After careful consideration and talking to my wife and children, I have decided, that after serving three most rewarding terms in the National Party caucus, I will not stand in the 2020 general election," Yang said in a statement this morning.
"Accordingly, I have informed the Party President that I should not be considered by the Regional list ranking committee of the Northern Region in its meeting tomorrow, hence my announcement today."
Yang said he was proud of his contribution to New Zealand-China relations.
"My trips to China with Prime Minister John Key, Ministers and colleagues are some highlights of my political career. I have witnessed the rapid growth of New Zealand's trade with China and I am pleased to have played a role in it."I am proud to be a New Zealander, and a member of the National Party whom I will continue to support into the future."
Yang's association with Chinese institutes fuelled speculation that he was an officer in Chinese military intelligence and a member of the Communist Party.
In response, Yang said he was not a spy but he taught English to spies at a language school run by the Communist Party's People's Liberation Army.
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And about time but don't forget voters, this man is representing the National Party at the next election. It speaks volumes about their selection process.
He's not standing in the next election.
The problem with this guy is not the quality of his representation to his electorate, good or bad. It is about his total refusal to engage with media (aside from some Chinese language based media outlets).
All parliamentarians are accountable to the country and it's citizens, not just their electorate.
The perceived arrogance of this man in his refusal to engage with the media over a long period of time is staggering. I am frankly surprised this hasn't been raised an an issue before now.
His service will be forever under a cloud of perceived uncertain loyalties to this country.
Also I understand he omitted the english language /spy school information from his CV to immigration officials. Still we welcomed him. How an MP can for so long avoid not engaging our media and get away it reflects how ineffective the media can be in NZ. Also it indicates Nationals collusion in not insisting he give interviews. National has been caught out with its closeness to chinese/ NZ citizens before. Remember the 100 -$150.000 offered to Bridges to place two chinese /NZ citizens with National as list MPs and the Bridges" Maureen Pugh f ...... useless" comment he made when considering this offer. I wonder what this MP has put in place now that hes retiring.