China Imposes Travel Ban on Four New Zealand MPs Over Taiwan Visit

Beijing. China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs for visiting Taiwan. According to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is the first time China has taken such a step against New Zealand MPs. Those MPs had gone on a visit to Taiwan in May. During the visit, they held meetings with various high officials including Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.

According to local media, the MPs received information about the ban imposed by China after returning from their Taiwan visit. It is said that the Chinese embassy has indicated that the ban can be reduced or removed if an apology is made. The MPs under the ban include Maureen Pugh, David Wilson, Laura Mcclur from the ruling coalition, and Duncan Webb from the opposition Labour Party.