China's entry ban on NZ lawmakers sparks diplomatic row

China has imposed a one-year entry ban on four New Zealand lawmakers who recently visited Taiwan, sparking a diplomatic row with both Taiwan and New Zealand.

According to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 4 (local time), the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand notified the New Zealand Parliament that Members of Parliament Laura McCLURE, David WILSON, and Maureen PUGH from the center-right National coalition, and DUNCAN WEBB from the opposition Labour Party, would be banned from visiting China, Hong Kong, and Macau for one year.

These lawmakers visited Taiwan in early March as part of a cross-party delegation and met with Vice President Hsaio Mei-chin.

It is understood that Chinese authorities are willing to withdraw or ease the entry ban if the lawmakers apologize for their visit to Taiwan.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated he was "surprised" by China's action and that he would raise the issue with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy.

In this regard, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "New Zealand lawmakers are free to make their own decisions on how to respond to invitations for overseas travel, independently of the government."

It further explained that although New Zealand does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, this does not prevent New Zealand from maintaining exchanges with Taiwan in trade, economy, and culture.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, "These exchanges are beneficial to the New Zealand people and are fully consistent with our 'One China' policy, so we intend to continue them."

MP McCLURE also told local media RNZ that New Zealand is a sovereign nation and its lawmakers represent their communities and constituents, and have the right to travel freely around the world, stating, "This is part of the right to live in a free democratic country."

She added, "I'm not sure exactly what we would be apologizing for, and if it's just for traveling to Taiwan, I personally would not apologize."

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a briefing on the same day, "Recently, some New Zealand lawmakers, despite China's stern concerns and firm opposition, stubbornly visited China's Taiwan region, violating the 'One China' principle and interfering in China's internal affairs." She added, "China has decided to take measures such as entry bans in accordance with the law."

When asked by reporters whether other country lawmakers visiting Taiwan would also be banned from entering China, Mao Ning replied, "If the red line on the Taiwan issue is crossed, there will be consequences."

In March, China also imposed sanctions, including entry bans, on Keiji Furuya, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a close associate of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, for visiting Taiwan.

According to AFP and Reuters, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called China's actions "retaliation" and "strongly condemned" them.

Regarding cross-strait relations, Taiwan's ministry stated, "We are not subordinate to each other," and protested, "Interacting with international friends is a legitimate right for both sides, and China has no right to interfere." It also stated, "Parliamentary diplomacy is a normal practice between democratic countries."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed concern on the same day and stated her intention to raise the issue with China.