Recently, a small number of New Zealand Members of Parliament, disregarding Chinese side’s serious concerns, resolute opposition, and repeated prior warnings, visited China’s Taiwan region in their capacity as MPs. During the visit, they met with several high-ranking local political figures, and their remarks and actions were reported by local media, causing serious adverse political impacts and sending wrong signals to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime and the “Taiwan independence” forces. The actions of these MPs violate the one-China principle and constitute interference in China’s internal affairs. 

In accordance with relevant laws of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese side has decided to adopt measures on the individuals concerned, including denial of entry into China (including Hong Kong and Macao).

The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a fundamental norm of international relations, and it is the political foundation of China-New Zealand relations. At a time when the DDP regime in China’s Taiwan region have been seriously departing from the 1992 Consensus, openly challenging the one-China principle, and going further down the path of pursuing “Taiwan independence,” it is all the more important to strictly adhere to the one-China principle. 

MPs are not ordinary citizens. China has consistently opposed visits to China’s Taiwan region by members of the legislatures of countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, including New Zealand, and this case is no exception. The New Zealand side should not be surprised. 

We urge the relevant parties to genuinely respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and strictly uphold the one-China principle. Whoever crosses the red line on the Taiwan question will face the consequences.