New Zealand is set to raise issues with China following the barring of four of its lawmakers from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This decision comes in the wake of the lawmakers’ recent visit to Taiwan. The affected individuals are representatives from both New Zealand’s governing coalition and opposition parties, who made the trip last month. According to New Zealand officials, such parliamentary visits to Taiwan have been a routine practice for decades and align with the nation’s enduring One China policy.
The New Zealand government expressed surprise at China’s move, as stated by a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The government has tasked diplomatic officials with seeking clarification from Beijing while voicing their concerns over this development. The incident has introduced a new strain into the generally stable relations between New Zealand and China, countries that are otherwise bound by strong trade connections despite existing disagreements over regional security and Taiwan-related matters.
In response to the travel restrictions, Taiwan’s foreign ministry has condemned the action, labeling it as retaliatory. The ministry argued that China lacks the authority to meddle in the interactions between Taiwan and foreign lawmakers. Emphasizing the normalcy of parliamentary diplomacy, the ministry highlighted that such exchanges are a common practice among democratic nations.
China, on its part, defended the decision to impose travel restrictions, stating its opposition to visits to Taiwan by legislators from countries that officially recognize Beijing. Chinese officials maintained that lawmakers are not ordinary citizens, and their visits to Taiwan contradict China’s stance on the issue.