The travel bans were communicated through the Chinese Embassy in Wellington, according to messages seen by The Associated Press. The lawmakers were also informed that the restrictions could potentially be lifted if they apologized for visiting Taiwan.

The move underscores Beijing’s continued efforts to discourage official and parliamentary exchanges with Taiwan, the self-governed island that China claims as part of its territory.

Beijing Defends Restrictions

China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the sanctions on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said individuals who challenge China’s position on Taiwan would face consequences and urged foreign officials to respect what Beijing describes as its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A statement issued by China’s embassy in Wellington said Beijing has consistently opposed visits to Taiwan by members of legislatures from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China, adding that New Zealand should not be surprised by the response.

The four lawmakers visited Taipei in May as part of a parliamentary delegation. New Zealand officials noted that such visits have occurred for decades and were not considered inconsistent with Wellington’s One China policy.

New Zealand Raises Concerns

A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand officials would raise concerns with Beijing and seek clarification regarding what was described as a departure from previous practice.

Under New Zealand’s political system, lawmakers independently decide whether to participate in overseas parliamentary delegations, which often include representatives from multiple political parties.

The government reiterated that while New Zealand acknowledges Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China, parliamentary visits to Taiwan do not alter its official policy framework.

Lawmakers Reject Demand for Apology

Two of the sanctioned lawmakers publicly rejected the suggestion that they should apologize for their visit.

Laura McClure of the ACT Party described the demand as insulting and said she would not issue an apology.

Duncan Webb of the Labour Party said engagement with democratic partners abroad was an important principle and indicated he was prepared to accept the travel restriction.

The other two affected lawmakers were not immediately available for comment, according to the report.

Taiwan Remains a Diplomatic Flashpoint

The restrictions reflect the broader international tensions surrounding Taiwan, which operates with its own government, military and democratic institutions but is claimed by Beijing as Chinese territory.

China has previously sanctioned lawmakers and political figures from other countries over contact with Taiwan. One of its most high-profile responses followed a 2022 visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi, after which Beijing launched large-scale military exercises around the island and imposed travel restrictions on Pelosi.

New Zealand is not among the small number of countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, instead recognizing the government in Beijing while maintaining unofficial ties with Taipei.

Australia Voices Support for Parliamentary Independence

The issue also drew attention in neighboring Australia.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra would raise concerns with Beijing and support the principle that elected lawmakers should be free to determine their own travel arrangements independently of government direction.

She described pressure on parliamentarians as inappropriate while reaffirming Australia’s support for parliamentary autonomy.

Trade Ties Tested by Political Dispute

The dispute comes despite generally stable relations between New Zealand and China in recent years.

China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner and was the first Western nation to conclude a free trade agreement with Beijing. However, the latest disagreement illustrates how Taiwan continues to be a sensitive issue in China’s relations with democratic countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

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