Q: According to New Zealand media, several New Zealand Members of Parliament recently paid a visit to Taiwan region and met with its leader. What is the Chinese Embassy’s comment on this?

A: The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction of and firm opposition to the wrongdoings of several New Zealand Members of Parliament (MPs) who, despite repeated warnings from China, insisted on colluding with “Taiwan independence” separatist forces during a trip to China’s Taiwan province. 

The One-China principle is the political foundation for China’s diplomatic relations with over 180 countries and a broad consensus of the international community. According to the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People’s Republic of China and New Zealand, China and New Zealand have decided upon the establishment of diplomatic relations, in accordance with the principles of “mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and equality and mutual benefit”. As clearly stated in the Joint Communique, “The Chinese Government reaffirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China and that Taiwan is a province of the People’s Republic of China”;“The New Zealand Government acknowledges this position of the Chinese Government”; “The New Zealand Government recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China”.

The wrongdoings of relevant New Zealand MPs severely violate the solemn political commitments made by New Zealand to China when the two countries established diplomatic ties. China has lodged stern representations with New Zealand both in Beijing and Wellington. The New Zealand side stated that relevant MPs do not hold official positions in the New Zealand government, that their trip to the Taiwan region was private and individual, and that their words and deeds do not represent the New Zealand government. The New Zealand government reiterated that its adherence to the One-China policy remains unchanged, and senior officials, including cabinet ministers, will not visit the Taiwan region.

China emphasizes that for any country, including New Zealand, the legislative body and the executive branch are both part and parcel of the government. Members of Parliament, as part of the legislative body, are not ordinary citizens but political figures. During their visit to Taiwan province, relevant MPs repeatedly claimed to represent the New Zealand Parliament, and met with “Taiwan independence” separatists, blatantly violating New Zealand’s solemn commitment to One-China. It is abundantly clear that such wrongdoings cannot be dismissed as mere individual behaviors to evade responsibility.

The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affairs, and a matter of sovereignty and territorial integrity which lies at the core of China's core interests and brooks no external interference. For all countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, adhering to the One-China principle is a red line that must not be trampled. Recently, the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, particularly the Lai Ching-te authorities, have persistently challenged the One-China principle and the “1992 Consensus”, posing the gravest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Anyone who truly cares about the region’s peace and stability, should earnestly honour its One-China commitment, oppose “Taiwan independence” and support China’s efforts towards national reunification.

The visit by relevant New Zealand MPs to Taiwan province at this time has sent a gravely wrong signal to the separatist forces. It is not in line with the positive momentum of current China-New Zealand relations, and not conducive to the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. It is not in New Zealand’s own interests either. We believe it is also not what the majority of the New Zealand people - who value stable and sound bilateral relations with China - wish to see.

A nation cannot stand without credibility. Commitments, once made, must be honoured. Repeating mistakes does not make them right; it only compounds the error. We strongly urge the New Zealand side to right the wrongs, seriously and sincerely implement its One-China commitment, and take concrete actions to fulfil its pledges. The Chinese side reserves the right to take further measures in response.