China bans four New Zealand lawmakers over visit to Taiwan | Politics News
China Issues Travel Ban on New Zealand Lawmakers for Taiwan Visit
Beijing has imposed a travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to Taiwan in May, stating that the decision disregarded its “serious concerns” and “repeated prior warnings.”
In a statement released on June 4, the Chinese embassy in Wellington criticized the lawmakers for engaging with high-level Taiwanese officials, asserting that the visit inflicted “serious adverse political impacts” and sent “the wrong signals” to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The embassy characterized the lawmakers’ actions as interference in China’s internal affairs, cautioning that those who breach established boundaries regarding Taiwan will face consequences. “Whoever crosses the red line on the Taiwan question will face the consequences,” the statement read.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters conveyed his surprise at China’s decision, noting that New Zealand MPs have visited Taiwan for decades without incident. “In the context of that long history, the minister was surprised to learn that China has taken a decision to impose travel bans on New Zealand MPs as a result of travel to Taiwan,” a spokesperson for Peters said.
Taiwan, which operates as a self-governing democracy, is regarded by China as a part of its territory that must eventually be incorporated into the mainland. Beijing has consistently discouraged global engagement with Taiwan, reducing its formal diplomatic allies to just 12 nations, including Belize, Guatemala, and Eswatini. Although New Zealand upholds Beijing’s One China principle—recognizing Taiwan as a province of China—it refrains from formal diplomatic relations with the island.
In response to the travel ban, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Beijing’s actions, asserting that it has no right to interfere in meetings with “international friends.” The Ministry emphasized that “parliamentary diplomacy is a normal practice among democratic nations.”
The Associated Press reported that emails sent to New Zealand officials indicated that the lawmakers—three from the ruling center-right coalition and one from the opposition Labour Party—are banned from visiting China for one year. For the ban to be reconsidered or lifted, the Chinese embassy stated that an apology for the visit would be necessary.
One of the banned lawmakers, Laura McClure, referred to the travel ban as “a type of foreign interference,” stating she would not apologize for visiting Taiwan. Peters has directed New Zealand officials in both Beijing and Wellington to discuss the matter with Chinese authorities to express concerns and seek clarification.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed concerns regarding the travel bans, indicating that Canberra plans to raise the issue with Beijing.
While the relationship between New Zealand and China has been primarily stable, there is an increasing critique of China’s growing influence in the region. China has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan, which continues to reject Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island.
