China bans New Zealand lawmakers over Taiwan trip
Beijing said on June 4 that it barred a group of New Zealand lawmakers from entering China after they visited officials in Taiwan in May, accusing them of interfering in Chinese domestic affairs.
New Zealand voiced concern over the barring of the four MPs, who visited as part of a cross-party delegation, noting its lawmakers have paid visits to Taiwan for decades.
But Beijing’s embassy in Wellington said the delegation had defied repeated warnings in traveling to the self-ruled island, where they met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim.
“The actions of these MPs violate the one-China principle and constitute interference in China’s internal affairs,” an embassy spokesperson said, referring to Beijing’s position that it is the sole legitimate government of China, including Taiwan.
