China Bans Four New Zealand Lawmakers Over Taiwan Visit, Seeks Apology

China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to Taiwan, escalating tensions over the self-governed island that Beijing claims as its territory.

According to messages relayed through New Zealand parliamentary officials and seen by The Associated Press, the ban covers mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau . The communication also indicated that the restrictions could be lifted if the lawmakers apologized for their visit to Taiwan.

The parliamentarians visited Taipei in May as part of a delegation, a practice New Zealand officials said has occurred for decades. Wellington maintained that the trip was consistent with its One China policy , under which it acknowledges Beijing's position on Taiwan while maintaining unofficial ties with the island.

Two of the lawmakers publicly rejected Beijing's demand for an apology. ACT Party MP Laura McClure described the request as “frankly insulting,” while Labour MP Duncan Webb said New Zealand's commitment to democratic institutions and international engagement outweighed the consequences of the ban.

China defended its decision, stating that it has consistently opposed visits to Taiwan by lawmakers from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Wellington said New Zealand should not be surprised by the move.

New Zealand's government said officials in Wellington and Beijing would raise concerns with Chinese authorities and seek clarification on what it described as a departure from past practice.

The incident marks the first known case of New Zealand lawmakers being sanctioned by China over contact with Taiwan. Australia also voiced concern, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying parliamentarians should be free to make their own travel decisions without external pressure.

The dispute comes despite generally strong economic ties, with China remaining New Zealand's largest trading partner.