China bans four New Zealand MPs over Taiwan visit
China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs following their visit to Taiwan. This marks the first instance of such sanctions against New Zealand lawmakers for visiting the self-governing island, which China claims as its territory. New Zealand's foreign minister expressed surprise at the ban, emphasizing the country's longstanding practice of engaging with Taiwan.
- ▪The four MPs visited Taiwan in May and met with Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung.
- ▪China's ban could be reduced or waived if the MPs issue an apology, according to the Chinese Embassy.
- ▪New Zealand has maintained a One China policy while also having regular exchanges with Taiwan.
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China bans four New Zealand MPs over Taiwan visit13 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKoh EweLin Chia-lung/FacebookThe New Zealand lawmakers travelled to Taiwan in May, where they met Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung (L)In a first, China has banned four New Zealand Members of Parliament for a year over their visit to Taiwan, New Zealand's foreign ministry says. The MPs learned of the ban - which the Chinese Embassy said could be reduced or waived with an apology - when they returned from the trip in May, local media reported on Thursday.China claims the self-governed island of Taiwan as its territory, and has tried to restrict the island's foreign engagements.But this is the first time China has imposed travel bans on New Zealand MPs for visiting Taiwan - a move that…
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