Taiwan Condemns China's Ban on New Zealand Lawmakers

Taiwan's foreign ministry has condemned China for banning four New Zealand lawmakers following their Taiwan visit. This diplomatic tension arises from China's territorial claims over Taiwan, which the island's government refuses to acknowledge. Taiwan urges Beijing to cease pressuring foreign legislators engaging in parliamentary diplomacy.

Taiwan's foreign ministry issued a strong condemnation on Thursday after China banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering its territory. The ban followed the lawmakers' recent visit to Taiwan, sparking diplomatic tensions.

In a formal statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry emphasized that 'China has no right to interfere,' asserting the legitimacy of parliamentary diplomacy as a standard practice among democratic nations aimed at fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation.

China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, insists on the possibility of using force to assert control over the island. However, Taiwan's government firmly rejects China's sovereignty claims, further complicating the cross-strait relations.