China Bans Four New Zealand MPs Over Taiwan Trip

China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to Taiwan, marking the first known instance of New Zealand Members of Parliament facing such restrictions over a trip to the self-governed island.

New Zealand’s foreign ministry confirmed the move, with local media reporting that the MPs were informed of the ban after returning from their visit in May. According to reports, the Chinese Embassy indicated that the restriction could potentially be reduced or lifted if an apology were issued.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has consistently opposed official engagements with the island by foreign politicians and governments.

However, New Zealand officials noted that parliamentary visits to Taiwan have taken place for decades and are not viewed as inconsistent with New Zealand’s longstanding One China policy.

A spokesperson for New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, said the decision came as a surprise.

“New Zealand MPs have visited Taiwan for decades and such visits are not inconsistent with New Zealand’s One China policy,” the spokesperson said.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said the restrictions were imposed because the lawmakers proceeded with the visit despite China’s objections. Beijing argued that the trip sent what it described as the wrong message to Taiwan’s ruling political leadership and supporters of Taiwanese independence.

China also maintained that the visit amounted to interference in its internal affairs.

The delegation included lawmakers from New Zealand’s governing coalition—Maureen Pugh, David Wilson and Laura McClure—alongside opposition Labour Party MP Duncan Webb.

McClure, a member of the ACT Party, rejected suggestions that she should apologise for the trip. Speaking to local media, she described the ban as a form of foreign interference and stressed that she had no regrets about visiting Taiwan.

She also expressed surprise at the decision, noting that similar parliamentary visits had taken place for many years without triggering such action.

According to McClure, New Zealand lawmakers have the right to travel internationally and engage with partners around the world as part of their role in a democratic society.

In response to the development, Peters has directed officials in both Beijing and Wellington to engage with Chinese authorities to gain a clearer understanding of what New Zealand views as a departure from previous practice.

New Zealand established formal diplomatic relations with China in 1972 and has since adhered to the One China policy, recognising Beijing as the sole official government of China. Under that policy, New Zealand maintains formal diplomatic ties with Beijing rather than Taipei.

At the same time, New Zealand has continued to maintain regular economic, cultural and parliamentary exchanges with Taiwan, reflecting its broader engagement with partners across the Asia-Pacific region.