BUTOLPOST – Relations between China and New Zealand have heated up again after Beijing imposed an entry ban on four members of the New Zealand parliament who visited Taiwan in May 2026.
A Radio New Zealand report on Thursday (4/6) stated that the ban was valid for one year and covered all of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
The four MPs sanctioned are Maureen Pugh from the National Party, Duncan Webb from the Labor Party, Laura McClure from ACT, and David Wilson from NZ First. They were previously part of a cross-party delegation that undertook a five-day visit to Taiwan.
The New Zealand Parliamentary Clerk has notified the four legislators of the Chinese authorities’ decision. According to the report, the Chinese Embassy also said that the ban could be shortened or lifted if they issued an apology.
However, the New Zealand Government emphasized that it would continue economic, trade, cultural and indigenous cooperation relations with Taiwan in accordance with its national interests.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the visit to Taiwan was carried out in the personal capacity of members of parliament and did not represent the government.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has instructed officials to raise the issue in official talks with the Chinese government.
In his statement, Peters said he was surprised by Beijing’s decision to impose a travel ban on New Zealand members of parliament for the first time due to a visit to Taiwan.
“New Zealand members of parliament have visited Taiwan for decades and such visits do not conflict with New Zealand’s One China policy,” spokesman Peters said.
The New Zealand government also emphasized that for more than 50 years the country has maintained the One China policy, but at the same time maintains non-diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China’s move is expected to increase diplomatic tensions amidst the sensitive relations between Beijing and Taipei which continue to be in the international spotlight.
