China defends ban on NZ lawmakers who visited Taiwan

China's embassy in New Zealand has defended its decision to impose entry restrictions on four New Zealand lawmakers who visited Taiwan. Wellington had sought an explanation for the unprecedented move, which Beijing claims was a response to the lawmakers disregarding "serious concerns" and "repeated warnings" from China.

The embassy stated on its WeChat account that the lawmakers' visit and meetings with "local politicians" constituted interference in China's internal affairs and sent a "wrong signal" to Taiwanese authorities. According to Chinese law, the "relevant party" decided to ban the individuals.

China asserted that its actions are aimed at defending its "sovereignty and territorial integrity." The embassy accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party of "openly challenging" Beijing's stance on the self-governing island, which China claims. "Whoever crosses the red line on the Taiwan question, whoever they may be, must pay a price," the statement warned, noting the lawmakers were not "ordinary citizens."

New Zealand's government had asked Beijing for clarification on the one-year ban for Laura McClure, David Wilson, Maureen Pugh, and Duncan Webb. Foreign Minister Winston Peters conveyed his concerns, while a spokesperson maintained that parliamentary visits to Taiwan do not contradict New Zealand's diplomatic position established in 1972. Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee called the measure "surprising" and "disappointing," emphasizing that lawmakers are independent and free to travel.