China Bans Four New Zealand MPs for One Year Over Taiwan Visit

China has banned four New Zealand Members of Parliament from entering the country for one year after the lawmakers visited Taiwan in May. The four MPs learned of the restriction when they returned from the trip, New Zealand's foreign ministry said. The Chinese Embassy in Wellington stated the ban could be reduced or waived if the lawmakers apologized.

response A ministry spokesperson said New Zealand MPs have visited Taiwan for decades without issue and that such visits are consistent with the country's One China policy. Laura McClure told Radio New Zealand she was surprised by the ban and would not apologize for the trip.

" — Laura McClure, New Zealand MP (BBC News) New Zealand established diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1972 and maintains formal ties only with China, while still conducting unofficial exchanges with Taiwan.