China Imposes Travel Ban on Four New Zealand MPs Over Taiwan Visit

Beijing. China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs for visiting Taiwan. According to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is the first time China has taken such a step against New Zealand MPs. Those MPs had gone on a visit to Taiwan in May. During the visit, they held meetings with various high officials including Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.

According to local media, the MPs received information about the ban imposed by China after returning from their Taiwan visit. It is said that the Chinese embassy has indicated that the ban can be reduced or removed if an apology is made. The MPs under the ban include Maureen Pugh, David Wilson, Laura Mcclur from the ruling coalition, and Duncan Webb from the opposition Labour Party.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has expressed surprise at this decision. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that New Zealand MPs have been visiting Taiwan for decades and such visits do not conflict with New Zealand's 'One China policy'.

MP Laura Mcclur, who is under the ban, called the move a form of foreign interference and said she would not apologize for visiting Taiwan. She also mentioned that New Zealand MPs have the right to travel freely anywhere in the world. Following this incident, Foreign Minister Peters has instructed officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing and Wellington to discuss with the Chinese side and understand the reason for this decision.

New Zealand established formal diplomatic relations with China in 1972 and has since adhered to the 'One China policy'. According to this policy, New Zealand recognizes only Beijing as the legitimate government of China and does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. However, like many other countries, New Zealand continues to have regular exchanges with Taiwan at economic, cultural, and parliamentary levels.

Last year also, a delegation of New Zealand MPs visited Taiwan and met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. At that time, China criticized the visit and accused the MPs of colluding with pro-Taiwan independence forces.

Taiwan, on the other hand, has been accusing China of trying to interfere in its diplomatic relations with other countries. Recently, President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, Taiwan's only formal ally in Africa. Taiwan claims that before that, due to China's pressure, some African countries did not allow his plane to use their airspace.

China has previously imposed bans on American politicians visiting Taiwan. After Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022, China imposed a ban on her. Similarly, in 2023, China also announced a ban on US Congressman Michael McCaul.