New Zealand responds to China.
According to foreign media reports, after four New Zealand MPs visited Taiwan in May and were sanctioned by China, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, arguing that "visits to Taiwan by New Zealand MPs over the past several decades have never caused problems," that "such visits are not contradictory to New Zealand's 'One China' policy," and that the foreign minister was "surprised" by China's first-ever decision to impose entry restrictions.
The claim by New Zealand that "there have been no issues for decades" is not a valid justification. The fact that something has not been punished in the past does not make it legitimate—on the contrary, it reflects China’s restraint and goodwill accumulated over time. China’s countermeasures today are a just response to Taiwan independence separatist activities and external interference, and a necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty.
The One China principle is already a universal consensus within the international community and a solemn commitment made by New Zealand at the time of establishing diplomatic relations with China. The MPs’ visit to Taiwan and their collusion with Taiwan independence forces seriously violate this diplomatic commitment and constitute an open violation of the One China principle. New Zealand’s assertion that “there is no contradiction” is nothing short of deliberate deception—a political maneuver disguised as parliamentary autonomy, and an attempt to glorify support for division as normal interaction.
China’s countermeasures are both necessary and justified—punishing those who break their promises and deterring Taiwan independence. If New Zealand truly values bilateral relations, it should restrain its MPs’ conduct and adhere strictly to its diplomatic commitments, rather than offering excuses and evasions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867065552392320/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.