TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Zealand said Thursday it would raise concerns with Beijing after China banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau for one year over their May visit to Taiwan.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the Chinese embassy informed New Zealand’s parliament of the ban. The four lawmakers are Laura McClure, David Wilson, Maureen Pugh, and Labour Party member Duncan Webb.
CNA reported that the Chinese embassy told parliamentary officials the ban could be shortened or lifted if the lawmakers apologized for visiting Taiwan. McClure told the New Zealand Herald the ban was “foreign interference” and said she would not apologize.
A spokesperson for New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand lawmakers have visited Taiwan for decades. The spokesperson said such visits do not conflict with New Zealand’s “one China” policy.
Peters said he was surprised China had imposed a travel ban for the first time over a Taiwan visit by New Zealand lawmakers. He instructed New Zealand foreign ministry officials in Beijing and Wellington to raise the issue with Chinese officials.
New Zealand’s foreign ministry said the country has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan. However, it said this does not prevent New Zealand from maintaining trade, economic, cultural, and Indigenous exchanges with Taiwan.
New Zealand has recognized Beijing as China’s only legal government since 1972. The policy forms the basis of New Zealand’s official ties with China while allowing unofficial exchanges with Taiwan.
China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, and senior officials from both countries have exchanged visits in recent years. The case comes as New Zealand has become more direct in voicing concern about China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
