WELLINGTON: China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers after they visited Taiwan as part of a parliamentary delegation, demanding that they issue an apology for the trip, according to a message from the Chinese embassy conveyed through New Zealand parliamentary officials and obtained by The Associated Press.
The move marks the first time Beijing has sanctioned New Zealand parliamentarians over engagement with Taiwan, according to New Zealand officials. China has previously taken similar actions against lawmakers from other countries as part of its efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally.
Beijing Warns of “Consequences” Over Taiwan Engagement
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the sanctions on Thursday, urging foreign lawmakers to respect Beijing’s position on Taiwan.
“We urge the relevant people to sincerely respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and strictly abide by the One China principle,” Mao said during a regular briefing. “Anyone who crosses the red line on the Taiwan question must pay the price.”
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes official contact between the island and countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China.
New Zealand Rejects Pressure on Lawmakers
The four lawmakers visited Taipei in May, a practice New Zealand parliamentarians have carried out for decades. A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the visit was consistent with New Zealand’s long-standing One China policy.
“The visit was not inconsistent with New Zealand’s One China policy, which includes acknowledging Beijing’s claim regarding Taiwan,” the spokesperson said.
New Zealand officials said they would raise concerns with Beijing over the travel restrictions, describing them as a departure from previous practice.
The ban prevents the lawmakers from traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau for one year. According to parliamentary correspondence, the restrictions could potentially be lifted if the lawmakers apologize for their Taiwan visit.
Lawmakers Refuse to Apologize
Two of the affected lawmakers told The Associated Press they rejected China’s demand for an apology.
ACT Party lawmaker Laura McClure described the demand as “frankly insulting” and said she would not apologize.
Labour Party lawmaker Duncan Webb said New Zealand values democratic institutions and the right of elected representatives to engage internationally.
“If the cost of doing that is to be excluded from China for a year, I will pay that price,” Webb said.
Regional Concerns Grow Over China’s Taiwan Policy
The dispute comes amid increasing pressure from Beijing on Taiwan, which has governed itself democratically for decades but remains claimed by China.
New Zealand maintains diplomatic relations with Beijing and is not among the small number of countries that formally recognize Taiwan’s government. China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, and the two nations have maintained strong economic ties, including through a free trade agreement.
Australia also expressed concern over the bans, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying lawmakers should be free to make their own decisions about international travel.
“Placing pressure on parliamentarians is not appropriate,” Wong said, adding that Australia would communicate its concerns to Beijing.
BY: The Times Union
