Key facts
- China has banned four New Zealand Members of Parliament for one year.
- The ban was imposed due to the MPs' visit to Taiwan.
- China stated the ban could be reduced or waived with an apology.
- New Zealand's foreign minister expressed surprise at the move.
- The MPs visited Taiwan in May.
- The ban is the first time China has imposed travel bans on NZ MPs for visiting Taiwan.
Beijing has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand Members of Parliament for visiting Taiwan, marking the first time such a measure has been taken against New Zealand lawmakers. The MPs, Maureen Pugh, David Wilson, Laura McClure, and Duncan Webb, learned of the ban upon their return from a May trip. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the MPs disregarded China's concerns and violated the One China principle by visiting Taiwan, thus interfering in China's internal affairs. The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand added that the visit sent "wrong signals" to Taiwan independence forces. New Zealand's foreign ministry expressed surprise, noting that such visits have occurred for decades without issue and are not inconsistent with New Zealand's One China policy. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has instructed officials to discuss the matter with Chinese authorities to understand this "departure from past practice." Laura McClure called the ban a form of "foreign interference" and stated she would not apologize for her visit, asserting New Zealand MPs' right to free travel. Taiwan's foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, highlighted the visit as a sign of parliamentary support and strengthened friendship between Taiwan and New Zealand.