The New Zealand lawmakers, despite the serious concerns and strong opposition from China, still decided to travel to Taiwan. China has decided to ban these lawmakers from entering the country.
However, the New Zealand government actually expressed concern and surprise regarding this matter.
According to Reuters, on June 4 local time, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters spokesperson argued that such visits are not contrary to New Zealands consistent policy of one China.
The spokesperson claimed that Foreign Minister Peters was surprised by Chinas ban.
According to the spokesperson, Peters has instructed New Zealands foreign ministry officials to discuss this matter with the Chinese side, in order to express their concerns and gain a better understanding of the situation.
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On the 4th, a spokesman for Chinas embassy in New Zealand stated that recently, a few New Zealand lawmakers, despite Chinas serious concerns and strong objections, continued to visit Taiwan as members of parliament. During their visits, they met with several local political figures.
The spokesperson said that such actions and remarks were reported by local media, causing negative political consequences. This has sent the wrong message to the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan and those who advocate for Taiwan independence. The behavior of these lawmakers violates the principle of one China and constitutes interference in Chinas internal affairs. According to relevant laws of the Peoples Republic of China, China has decided to take measures such as banning certain individuals from entering the country.
The spokesperson also pointed out that parliamentarians are not ordinary citizens. China has always opposed the visits of members of legislative bodies from countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, including New Zealand. This situation is no exception. New Zealand should not be surprised by this decision.
Reuters quoted an email from the office of the New Zealand Parliament Secretary as saying that the Chinese embassy informed the New Zealand Parliament that four members had been banned from entering the country for one year. These four members include three members of the New Zealand center-right ruling coalitionLaura McLeod, David Wilson, and Maureen Pye. Additionally, there is also Duncan Webb, a member of the opposition Labour Party.
Spokesperson Mao Ning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the principle of one China is a common consensus among the international community and a fundamental principle of international relations. It also serves as the political foundation for Sino-Japanese relations. China urges relevant parties to respect Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to strictly adhere to the principle of one China. Those who cross the line regarding the Taiwan issue will surely pay a price.
