China has imposed a one-year entry ban on four MPs who recently visited Taiwan, restricting their entry to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
National’s Maureen Pugh, Labour’s Duncan Webb, ACT’s Laura McClure, and NZ First’s David Wilson visited Taiwan in May as part of a cross-party parliamentary delegation focused on strengthening ties between New Zealand and Taiwan.
New Zealand officially recognises the “One China Policy,” which acknowledges China’s position that Taiwan is part of its territory, while not explicitly endorsing that claim.
Taiwan operates as a self-governing entity and maintains its own political and administrative systems, separate from those of mainland China.
The Chinese Embassy indicated that the sanctions could be suspended or lifted if the MPs involved issue an apology.
ACT’s McClure said she was “really surprised” by the sanctions imposed.
“It’s a long-standing tradition for members of parliament to travel to Taiwan,” she said.
McClure said the group had received “no specific indication” explaining why they were treated differently from previous visiting MPs.
She said New Zealanders should be free to travel to any country, framing it as an issue of national sovereignty.
“I think it is an intimidation tactic, or a deterrent, to try and put off other or future members of parliament from travelling to Taiwan, which is concerning because Taiwan is our eighth biggest export market.
“We have very close trade and cultural links to the indigenous people of Taiwan and the Māori here in NZ, and that relationship is really valuable and important to us.”
She described the ban from China as “unsettling,” saying it appeared to be intended to intimidate MPs for visiting Taiwan.
“I think putting pressure on members of parliament is really above and beyond what we would expect from a friend of ours.”