The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand has announced travel bans on several New Zealand Members of Parliament following their recent visit to the Taiwan region. In a statement released on Thursday, the embassy underscored the severity of the action, asserting that those who "cross the red line" on the Taiwan question will inevitably face consequences.
According to the embassy spokesperson, the MPs carried out their visit despite repeated warnings and resolute opposition from the Chinese side. During their stay in the Taiwan region, the lawmakers met with high-ranking local political figures. The spokesperson noted that these actions, which were widely reported by local media, have caused serious adverse political impacts and sent misleading signals to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime and forces pursuing "Taiwan independence."
The embassy clarified that the actions of these MPs violate the one-China principle and constitute interference in China's internal affairs. Consequently, in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China, the individuals concerned are now denied entry into the Chinese mainland, as well as Hong Kong and Macao.
Emphasizing the importance of diplomatic norms, the spokesperson highlighted that the one-China principle is a universal consensus and serves as the fundamental political foundation for relations between China and New Zealand. The statement further noted that as the DPP regime in the Taiwan region continues to depart from the 1992 Consensus and openly challenge the one-China principle, strict adherence to this norm becomes even more critical.
The Chinese embassy reiterated that members of national legislatures are not ordinary citizens and that China consistently opposes such visits by legislators from countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The embassy urged all relevant parties to genuinely respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strictly uphold the one-China principle.
Reference(s):
Chinese embassy responds after travel ban imposed on New Zealand MPs
cgtn.com
