Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has condemned China’s decision to bar four New Zealand MPs from entering the country, describing the move as “entirely inappropriate” while welcoming support from Australia.
Speaking during a visit to Queensland, Luxon said the MPs’ recent trip to Taiwan was part of a long-standing parliamentary practice and did not represent the New Zealand Government.
He reaffirmed New Zealand’s one-China policy but stressed that elected representatives are free to meet whom they choose. While acknowledging Australia’s offer to raise concerns with Beijing, Luxon said the issue would ultimately be addressed directly between New Zealand and China, adding, “We’ll raise it with the Chinese directly ourselves.”
The Government has already instructed officials to formally convey its concerns to Chinese authorities.
