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China imposes travel ban on New Zealand lawmakers after Taiwan visit, sparking backlash

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • China has imposed a travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their recent visit to Taiwan.
  • New Zealand expressed concern and surprise, stating the visits were consistent with its One China policy and a departure from past practice.
  • Taiwan condemned China's actions as "retaliatory" foreign interference, while China views Taiwan as its own territory.

China has banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering its territory after their recent visit to Taiwan, prompting New Zealand to express its concerns to Beijing. The lawmakers, three from the ruling coalition and one from the opposition Labour Party, were informed of the year-long ban from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Such visits are not inconsistent with New Zealand's One China policy.

— Spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston PetersThe spokesperson clarifies that the lawmakers' visit to Taiwan aligns with New Zealand's official policy.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that such visits to Taiwan have occurred for decades without issue and are not inconsistent with New Zealand's One China policy. "In the context of that long history, the minister was surprised to learn that China has taken a decision to, for the first time, impose travel bans on New Zealand MPs as a result of travel to Taiwan," a spokesperson for Peters said. New Zealand foreign ministry officials have been instructed to discuss the matter with Chinese authorities to express concern and seek understanding for this "departure from past practice."

In the context of that long history, the minister was surprised to learn that China has taken a decision to, for the first time, impose travel bans on New Zealand MPs as a result of travel to Taiwan.

— Spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston PetersThe spokesperson expresses New Zealand's surprise and concern over China's unprecedented action.

Taiwan's foreign ministry strongly condemned China's move as "retaliatory" and accused Beijing of interfering in Taipei's interactions with international friends. They emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy is a normal practice among democratic nations and urged China to cease pressuring elected legislators who engage with Taiwan.

Parliamentary diplomacy is a normal practice among democratic nations.

— Taiwan's foreign ministryTaiwan defends the actions of the New Zealand lawmakers and criticizes China's response.

Despite this diplomatic friction, New Zealand and China have maintained a largely stable relationship, with China remaining New Zealand's largest trading partner. However, Wellington has become more vocal about Beijing's expanding influence in the Pacific. The travel ban marks a significant escalation in tensions, particularly as China views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.

China's actions against New Zealand a form of 'foreign interference'

— Taiwan's foreign ministryTaiwan characterizes China's travel ban as an act of interference.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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