The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand solemnly condemns the Chinese government's decision to sanction four New Zealand Members of Parliament for visiting Taiwan.
The ban is not only unsubstantiated, but also constitutes a deliberate attempt by the Chinese government to intimidate elected representatives of democratic countries. It is a vivid and inappropriate interference in the independence of the New Zealand Parliament, with the intent to dictate and restrict MPs freedom of decision, freedom of speech and freedom of movement. This flagrant overreach is a clear act of foreign interference and a direct challenge to sovereign affairs of democracies.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to one another. Taiwan's engagement and interaction with international friends is a natural right, and one in which China has no right to intervene. PRC’s coercive and repressive intimidation only serves to highlight its system own overbearing aggression, and the undeniable reality that more and more international friends are choosing to engage with and support democratic Taiwan.
Taiwan and New Zealand share the common values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and have maintained close exchanges over many years across trade, culture, indigenous affairs, among others. Parliamentary diplomacy is a normal and legitimate means by which democratic countries deepen mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation, entirely consistent with longstanding practices, democratic principles and international norms. Taiwan extends its sincere gratitude to New Zealand and warmly welcomes friends from like-minded countries to continue visiting Taiwan to witness the fruits of a free democracy with an open and pluralistic society.
