New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated on Friday (June 5) that he will raise the issue of China’s ban on four New Zealand lawmakers from entering the country with Beijing and criticized the Chinese government’s actions as “completely inappropriate”.
According to a report by Reuters on Friday, Beijing recently took retaliatory action against four New Zealand parliamentarians who visited Taiwan in May, banning them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau for one year, and demanding an apology for their visit to Taiwan.
The four New Zealand lawmakers banned from entering China include Maureen Pugh from the National Party, Laura McClure from the ACT Party, David Wilson from the NZ First Party, and Duncan Webb from the Labour Party.
These four lawmakers embarked on a five-day visit to Taipei in May. Subsequently, the Chinese embassy in New Zealand notified relevant personnel that they were banned from entry.
Luxon, while visiting Australia in Queensland on Friday, told the media that these lawmakers did not visit Taiwan on behalf of the New Zealand government but rather as individual members of parliament engaging in exchange visits.
He said, “They have the right to decide freely whom to meet. We believe that China’s reaction is completely inappropriate.” Luxon is scheduled to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit.
Luxon also stated that New Zealand will express its concern directly to Beijing through diplomatic channels. He emphasized that this is a “state-to-state issue between New Zealand and China (CCP)”.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has also instructed officials from the New Zealand Foreign Ministry in Beijing and Wellington to initiate formal negotiations with the Chinese side on this matter.
The Office of the Clerk of the New Zealand Parliament has confirmed that parliamentary officials have held talks with representatives from the Chinese embassy in New Zealand but has not disclosed specific details.
Luxon also emphasized that the New Zealand government will continue to adhere to the “One China Policy” and understand China’s position on Taiwan, but that does not equate to endorsing that viewpoint.
China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of unifying Taiwan by force. The Taiwanese government continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated on Thursday (June 4) that Australia will also express its concern to China through channels in Canberra and Beijing.
Luxon welcomed Australia’s support but noted that ultimately, the issue needs to be resolved through direct communication between New Zealand and China.
He said, “Ultimately, this is an issue between New Zealand and China (CCP), and we will personally negotiate with the Chinese side.”
In recent years, New Zealand has maintained an overall stable relationship with China, with China being New Zealand’s largest trading partner. However, as China continues to expand its influence in the Pacific region, Wellington’s stance towards Beijing has become increasingly firm on certain security and diplomatic issues.