Four New Zealand lawmakers have been barred from traveling to China for a year following their visit to Taiwan. This marks the first time such a restriction has been imposed, according to government officials.
The lawmakers—Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb, Laura McClure, and David Wilson—spent five days in Taipei in May as part of a cross-party group formed in 2023 to maintain relations between Taiwan and New Zealand. Local media reported the travel ban was disclosed on Thursday, causing shock in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister spokesperson expressed surprise, noting lawmakers have visited Taiwan for years without issues. “In the context of that long history, the minister was surprised to learn that China has taken a decision to impose travel bans on New Zealand MPs as a result of travel to Taiwan,” said the spokesperson.
The travel ban applies to China, Hong Kong, and Macau, the spokesperson added. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned China’s retaliatory measures, accusing Beijing of interfering in its activities.
This travel ban indicates China’s escalating efforts to isolate Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. As New Zealand’s largest trading partner, China views engagement with Taiwan’s leaders as a violation of Chinese sovereignty.
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