Key facts
- China banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau for one year.
- The ban followed the lawmakers' visit to Taiwan in May.
- China indicated the ban could be waived if the lawmakers apologize.
- New Zealand stated the visits are consistent with its one-China policy.
- Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned China's retaliatory measures.
China has imposed a one-year ban on four New Zealand lawmakers from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau following their visit to Taiwan in May. The lawmakers identified are Laura McClure, David Wilson, and Maureen Pugh from the ruling coalition parties, and opposition Labour lawmaker Duncan Webb. The Chinese embassy reportedly informed New Zealand parliament officials that the travel ban could be reduced or waived if the lawmakers issue an apology for their trip. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that such visits are not inconsistent with New Zealand's One China policy and expressed surprise at this departure from past practice. A spokesperson for New Zealand's foreign affairs ministry affirmed that New Zealand lawmakers have a long-standing practice of visiting Taiwan, and these visits are consistent with New Zealand's one-China policy. The ministry emphasized that while New Zealand lacks formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it continues to engage in trade, economic, cultural, and indigenous exchanges. China, New Zealand's largest trading partner, maintains that Taiwan lacks the right to state-to-state relations, a stance rejected by Taiwan. Under New Zealand's constitutional framework, members of parliament are independent and have the autonomy to make their own travel decisions when invited. Laura McClure told the New Zealand Herald that the travel ban was "a type of foreign interference" and stated she would not apologize for visiting Taiwan. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is scheduled to visit China in 2025. Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned China's retaliatory measures, stating Beijing has no right to interfere in Taipei's interactions with "international friends" and that parliamentary diplomacy is a normal practice among democratic nations.