China bans four New Zealand members of parliament for one year after they visit Taiwan in May, New Zealand officials say. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ office confirmed the restriction after learning of it when the MPs returned. In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry says the MPs “wilfully” visited China’s Taiwan region, which it says violates the one-China principle and interferes with China’s internal affairs. Chinese authorities say they are denying entry into China as a result. A Chinese embassy statement in Wellington characterizes the ban as punishment for disregarding China’s concerns and insists the lawmakers visit as parliamentarians sent “wrong signals” to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party and “Taiwan independence” forces.
The delegation included Maureen Pugh, David Wilson and Laura McClure from the ruling coalition and Duncan Webb from the Labour Party. Reporting across outlets describes the ban as the first time China has imposed travel restrictions on New Zealand MPs for a Taiwan visit. New Zealand says it maintains a One China policy while continuing exchanges with Taiwan, and Peters instructs officials to seek clarification from Chinese authorities. The MPs’ visit follows criticism from Beijing in prior cases involving New Zealand lawmakers and Taiwan-related events.
