China urges New Zealand lawmakers to abide by one-China principle

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged certain New Zealand lawmakers to strictly abide by the one-China principle.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing while responding to a question concerning China's decision to impose entry bans and other measures on certain New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to China's Taiwan region.

Mao said that recently, certain New Zealand lawmakers – despite China's serious concerns and firm opposition – insisted on visiting China's Taiwan region, violating the one-China principle and interfering in China's internal affairs.

In accordance with relevant laws of the People's Republic of China, China has decided to impose measures including entry bans on the individuals concerned, Mao said.

The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and a basic norm governing international relations, as well as the political foundation of China-New Zealand relations, Mao noted.

China urges the relevant individuals to genuinely respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strictly abide by the one-China principle, Mao said, adding that those who cross the line on the Taiwan question will pay the price.