BEIJING/WELLINGTON, June 4, 2026 — China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to Taiwan last month, marking the first time Beijing has taken such action against New Zealand parliamentarians over a Taiwan-related trip.
According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the lawmakers learned of the restriction after returning from their visit to the self-governed island in May. Chinese authorities reportedly indicated that the ban could be reduced or lifted if the MPs issued an apology.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes official exchanges between foreign politicians and the island’s government. Beijing has consistently sought to limit Taiwan’s participation and engagement in international affairs.
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Winston Peters was surprised by China’s decision, noting that New Zealand parliamentarians have visited Taiwan for decades and that such visits do not conflict with Wellington’s long-standing One-China policy.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said the lawmakers had ignored China’s “serious concerns” and proceeded with the Taiwan visit in their official capacities. The embassy argued that the trip sent a “wrong signal” to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and pro-independence groups, describing it as interference in China’s internal affairs.
The delegation included three members of New Zealand’s governing coalition—Maureen Pugh, David Wilson, and Laura McClure—as well as Duncan Webb of the opposition Labour Party.
Laura McClure, an MP from the coalition partner ACT Party, condemned the travel ban as a form of foreign interference and said she had no intention of apologizing for the Taiwan visit.
The move highlights growing tensions surrounding Taiwan and underscores China’s increasingly assertive response to foreign political engagement with the island.
