China Imposes Travel Restrictions on New Zealand Lawmakers After Taiwan Visit
The affected legislators—representing multiple political parties—were informed by parliamentary officials that Chinese authorities had enacted a one-year ban preventing them from traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The measure came after the lawmakers participated in a five-day cross-party delegation to Taiwan in May.
According to reports, Chinese officials indicated that the restrictions could potentially be shortened or removed if the lawmakers issued an apology.
The New Zealand government emphasized that it intends to continue maintaining "trade, economic, cultural and indigenous exchanges" with Taiwan for the benefit of New Zealanders. Officials also noted that the lawmakers involved in the visit were acting in a parliamentary capacity and were not representing the government.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has reportedly directed officials to raise the matter with Chinese counterparts and convey concerns regarding the travel bans.
Commenting on the development, a spokesperson for Peters said, "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."
The spokesperson further stressed that New Zealand's longstanding approach toward China remains unchanged, stating, "New Zealand has maintained its One China policy for over half a century. New Zealand MPs have visited Taiwan for decades and such visits are not inconsistent with New Zealand's One China policy."
The incident has introduced a new point of tension into relations between Wellington and Beijing, with New Zealand officials signaling their intention to seek clarification and express their concerns through diplomatic channels.
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