"New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed surprise, noting the long history of such visits."
China Imposes One-Year Travel Ban on Four New Zealand MPs Over Taiwan Visit
China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand members of parliament who visited Taiwan in May, preventing them from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The affected MPs are National Party's Maureen Pugh, Labour's Duncan Webb, NZ First's David Wilson, and ACT's Laura McClure.
Background of the Visit
- The MPs visited Taiwan as part of a cross-parliamentary group that regularly travels to the island.
- New Zealand maintains a One China policy, recognizing Beijing as the sole government of China while keeping unofficial ties with Taiwan.
- Taiwan is New Zealand's eighth-largest export market; China is its largest trading partner.
- New Zealand officials stated such visits have occurred for decades and are consistent with the One China policy.
- China's embassy in New Zealand lodged a complaint about the trip with the New Zealand Parliament.
Official Reactions
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed surprise, noting the long history of such visits. He instructed officials to discuss the matter with Chinese authorities.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australian officials would also make representations to China, stating that placing pressure on parliamentarians is not appropriate.
Affected MP Laura McClure described the ban as concerning and unsettling, suggesting it is an intimidation tactic.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emphasized that MPs are independent and do not represent the government.
Precedent for Sanctions
- China has previously sanctioned foreign politicians for visiting Taiwan, but typically those were repeat visitors or senior officials, such as Japan's Keiji Furuya or US Representative Michael McCaul.
- A bipartisan Australian parliamentary delegation visited Taiwan six weeks prior without facing sanctions, highlighting the selective nature of the response.