China bans four New Zealand lawmakers over visit to Taiwan
Summary
China has banned four New Zealand lawmakers from visiting China because they traveled to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. New Zealand officials said the bans are a new and surprising step since lawmakers have visited Taiwan for many years without such consequences.Key Facts
- Four New Zealand lawmakers visited Taiwan in May and met with Taiwanese politicians.
- China’s embassy in Wellington said the visit caused "serious political impacts" and sent the wrong signal to Taiwan’s ruling party.
- China banned these lawmakers from entering China for one year unless they apologize for the visit.
- New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said lawmakers have visited Taiwan for decades without causing problems.
- Taiwan is a self-governing democracy, but China considers it part of its territory and opposes other countries engaging with Taiwan.
- Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China has no right to interfere with international meetings and called the ban unfair.
- New Zealand is concerned about the ban and is talking with China to understand why it happened.
- Australia also expressed concern and plans to raise the issue with China.
- China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, but some in New Zealand worry about China’s growing influence in the region.
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