China has imposed a one-year entry ban on four New Zealand Members of Parliament following their recent visit to Taiwan, Radio New Zealand reported.
The New Zealand Parliament’s Secretary informed Maureen Pugh (National Party), Duncan Webb (Labour Party), Laura McClure (ACT Party), and David Wilson (NZ First) that Chinese authorities had barred them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau due to their participation in a five-day cross-party delegation to Taiwan in May.
According to the report, the Chinese Embassy stated that the sanctions could be reduced or lifted if the MPs issue an apology.
However, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the country will continue to maintain “trade, economic, cultural, and indigenous exchanges” with Taiwan in the interest of New Zealanders, noting that the MPs were not representing the government during their visit.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters instructed officials to raise the issue with Chinese counterparts and express concern over the travel bans.
A spokesperson for Peters said the minister was surprised by the move, stating that China’s decision marks the first time New Zealand MPs have been subject to entry bans due to a visit to Taiwan.
New Zealand reiterated its long-standing “One China” policy, while also noting that parliamentary visits to Taiwan have taken place for decades and are not considered a violation of that policy.
