New Zealand Lawmakers Face Travel Ban to China After Taiwan Visit

Four lawmakers from New Zealand cannot travel to China for a year after visiting Taiwan in May. This decision marks the first time such a restriction has been applied, according to government officials on Thursday.

The legislators, Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb, Laura McClure, and David Wilson, spent five days in Taipei as part of a cross-party delegation. This group, created in 2023, aims to uphold relations between Taiwan and New Zealand, as noted by local media.

News of the travel ban surprised many in New Zealand. For years, lawmakers faced no issues visiting Taiwan. Winston Peters, New Zealand’s minister of foreign affairs, expressed this sentiment through a spokesperson.

“In the context of that long history, the minister was surprised to learn that China has taken a decision to, for the first time, impose travel bans on New Zealand M.P.s as a result of travel to Taiwan,” the spokesperson said.

The prohibition extends to China, Hong Kong, and Macau, the spokesperson added. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned China’s actions, accusing Beijing of meddling in Taiwanese activities.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and sees any interaction with Taiwanese leaders as an infringement on Chinese sovereignty. This travel ban indicates China’s increased efforts to isolate Taiwan. Despite being New Zealand’s largest trading partner, China continues to oppose any engagement with Taiwan.