Beijing Bans New Zealand Lawmakers Over Taiwan Visit, Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to Taiwan, a move that has prompted diplomatic tensions between Wellington and Beijing. The Chinese embassy in New Zealand communicated the ban, demanding an apology from the lawmakers for their visit to the democratically governed island, which China claims as its territory. The New Zealand government, adhering to its One China policy, expressed surprise at the ban, as such visits have been a longstanding practice. The affected lawmakers, including members from both the ruling coalition and opposition, have rejected the demand for an apology, viewing the ban as foreign interference. 
