The travel restrictions were communicated through China’s embassy in Wellington and conveyed to the lawmakers by New Zealand’s Parliamentary Service, according to messages seen by The Associated Press on Thursday. The ban applies to lawmakers Laura McClure, Duncan Webb, Maureen Pugh and David Wilson.

China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the sanctions on Thursday. Spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing opposed visits to Taiwan by members of legislatures from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China and urged those involved to respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Anyone who crosses the red line on the Taiwan question must pay the price,” Mao told a regular press briefing in Beijing.

According to communications relayed by parliamentary officials, the restrictions could be lifted if the lawmakers apologized for their visit to Taiwan. Two of the lawmakers publicly rejected that demand.

ACT Party lawmaker Laura McClure described the request as inappropriate and said she would not apologize. Labour Party lawmaker Duncan Webb said New Zealand lawmakers were entitled to engage with international partners and that he was prepared to accept the consequences of the ban.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ office said visits by parliamentarians to Taiwan had occurred for decades and were not inconsistent with New Zealand’s One China policy, under which Wellington acknowledges Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China while maintaining unofficial relations with Taipei.

The government said officials in Wellington and Beijing would seek further clarification from Chinese authorities and formally express concern over the decision.

The sanctions mark the first known instance of New Zealand parliamentarians being barred from entering China over contact with Taiwan, according to the New Zealand government. Beijing has previously imposed similar restrictions on lawmakers from other countries as it intensifies efforts to discourage official engagement with Taiwan.

The issue has also drawn attention in neighboring Australia. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra would raise concerns with Chinese officials and reiterated that lawmakers should be free to make independent decisions regarding overseas travel.

China regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes official exchanges between Taipei and foreign governments or legislators. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains its own elected government and foreign engagements.

The dispute emerges despite generally stable relations between New Zealand and China in recent years. China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner and was the first Western nation to conclude a free trade agreement with Beijing.

The Myanmar leader was welcomed in the eastern Indian state of Bihar before beginning a visit to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites where tradition holds that the Buddha attained enlightenment.

India’s foreign ministry described the visit as a reflection of the longstanding spiritual, historical and people-to-people connections between the neighboring countries. Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the trip underscored ongoing cooperation and the importance both governments place on bilateral relations.

Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to hold talks in New Delhi on Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation across strategic, economic and developmental sectors.

Indian officials said the visit also includes a significant commercial component, with the Myanmar president due to meet business representatives and later travel to Mumbai, India’s financial center. The talks are expected to examine opportunities to increase trade and investment links between the two countries.

According to Indian government figures, bilateral trade between India and Myanmar totaled approximately $1.95 billion during the 2025-26 fiscal year, highlighting the growing economic relationship between the neighbors.

The visit comes at a significant moment in Myanmar’s political transition. Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as president in April, maintaining leadership of the country from a civilian office five years after the military seized power in a coup. His inauguration was attended by representatives from several regional countries, including India, China and Thailand, reflecting the importance neighboring states place on engagement with Myanmar.

For India, stronger ties with Myanmar carry strategic importance because of their shared border, regional connectivity projects and security cooperation in northeastern India. Enhanced economic engagement could also support New Delhi’s broader efforts to deepen links with Southeast Asia through its regional outreach initiatives.

Rubio’s visit comes as the United States works to ease tensions with India following tariff measures imposed by President Donald Trump that affected several Indian exports and prompted concerns in New Delhi about the future direction of bilateral economic ties.

Speaking before his departure, Rubio described India as a key partner for the United States and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries across a range of strategic and economic issues.

The secretary of state arrived in Kolkata on Saturday and is scheduled to begin a multi-city tour that includes visits to Agra and Jaipur. He will also visit the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by Mother Teresa.

During his stay, Rubio is expected to hold bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and broader geopolitical developments.

The centerpiece of the visit will be Tuesday’s ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in New Delhi, bringing together foreign ministers from India, the United States, Australia and Japan.

The Quad has increasingly focused on maritime security, regional stability and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Member countries have repeatedly expressed concern over China’s actions in the South China Sea and other contested waters, arguing that such activities risk undermining regional stability.

China rejects those accusations, maintaining that its military posture is defensive and aimed at protecting what it considers sovereign interests. Beijing has also criticized the Quad, portraying it as an effort to constrain China’s growing economic and strategic influence.

Rubio has placed significant emphasis on the Quad since taking office. His first formal international engagement after assuming the role was a series of meetings with foreign ministers from the other Quad member states, highlighting the grouping’s central role in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.

The agreement represents a significant reopening of a market that had once accounted for a major share of Boeing’s global commercial aircraft deliveries before trade tensions and safety concerns sharply reduced Chinese demand.

Speaking aboard Air Force One after departing Beijing, Trump said China also secured an option to purchase as many as 750 additional Boeing aircraft under the arrangement. Boeing later confirmed the 200-plane order but did not disclose aircraft models, delivery timelines or financial terms.

“We had a very successful trip to China and accomplished our major goal of reopening the China market to orders for Boeing aircraft,” the company said in a statement, adding that it expected to continue addressing China’s long-term aviation demand.

Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg joined a delegation of senior American executives accompanying Trump during the Beijing visit as U.S. companies sought to deepen commercial engagement with China despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Trump said the agreement would also benefit GE Aerospace, which he said could supply between 400 and 450 aircraft engines tied to the deal. GE Aerospace Chief Executive H. Lawrence Culp was also part of the delegation.

The Trump administration has increasingly positioned Boeing at the center of its strategy to expand U.S. manufacturing exports and strengthen industrial competitiveness abroad. Several major aircraft orders have followed presidential visits and bilateral meetings during Trump’s second term.

Last year, Qatar Airways agreed to purchase up to 210 Boeing widebody aircraft during Trump’s Middle East visit, while Korean Air later formalized a deal valued at roughly $50 billion for aircraft, engines and maintenance services following talks in Washington with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Additional orders followed from Turkish Airlines, Emirates and FlyDubai, helping Boeing recover from a prolonged downturn in international sales.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, China accounted for roughly one-third of Boeing’s narrowbody aircraft deliveries. The company’s position weakened after deteriorating U.S.-China relations and the grounding of the 737 MAX fleet following two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people.

China became the first country to suspend operations of the 737 MAX in 2019 and resumed flights only in 2023, later than many other aviation markets.
Ortberg assumed leadership of Boeing in 2024 during a period of mounting operational and financial pressure after a panel blowout aboard a 737 MAX flight departing Portland, Oregon intensified scrutiny over manufacturing standards and safety controls.

Analysts said details surrounding broader trade agreements reached during the Trump-Xi summit remained limited. Bonnie Glaser said there was little publicly available information on other potential Chinese purchases involving U.S. agricultural and energy exports.

The meeting comes amid ongoing strategic and economic engagement between Washington and Beijing, where diplomatic channels remain central to managing bilateral relations.

The White House did not specify whether the talks would address trade, security, or broader geopolitical issues.The ambassador to China, former Republican Senator David Perdue of Georgia, was sworn into the role in May 2025 and represents Washington’s top diplomatic presence in Beijing.

No additional information was provided regarding the timing or outcomes expected from the meeting.

Wang, on a two-day visit to the diplomatically isolated state his first since 2019 said the two countries should enhance communication on major international and regional issues while safeguarding their respective sovereignty and security interests, according to Chinese state media.

“China is willing to work with North Korea to maintain close communication and interaction, promote practical cooperation, and infuse new contemporary meaning into the traditional friendship,” Wang said, as reported by Xinhua.

The visit follows the resumption of transport links between the neighbors after pandemic-related disruptions, signaling a broader effort to restore economic and diplomatic engagement. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a crucial source of economic and political support.

Wang’s trip comes amid renewed efforts by Donald Trump’s administration to revive high-level talks with Pyongyang, with discussions potentially leading to a summit later this year, including during a possible Trump visit to Beijing in May.

The meeting underscores Beijing’s continued role in shaping regional dynamics on the Korean Peninsula at a time of heightened diplomatic activity involving major powers.

Japan and Qatar have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, highlighting a shared vision for sustainable growth and long term partnership.

The renewed engagement reflects mutual trust, strategic dialogue, and a desire to strengthen ties that benefit both nations and their people.

The discussions emphasized the importance of continuous diplomatic engagement as a foundation for economic stability and international collaboration.

Both sides acknowledged that regular high level dialogue plays a key role in aligning priorities and expanding opportunities for cooperation.

Energy cooperation remained a central pillar of the partnership, with a focus on reliable supply chains and long standing collaboration.

The dialogue underlined how energy security supports industrial growth, economic planning, and broader development objectives.

Economic cooperation was highlighted as an area of growing momentum, driven by investment flows, trade expansion, and private sector participation.

Both countries recognized the value of creating a favorable environment for businesses, innovation, and joint ventures.

Infrastructure development and strategic investment were also discussed as engines for inclusive growth and long term resilience.]

The partnership aims to support projects that contribute to national development plans and regional connectivity.

Education and academic exchange were noted as important drivers of people to people ties and knowledge sharing.

Universities and research institutions from both countries continue to explore collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

Cultural exchange was recognized as a meaningful way to strengthen mutual understanding and social connection.

Such initiatives help promote shared values, heritage appreciation, and long lasting goodwill between communities.

Sports cooperation and international events were mentioned as platforms that foster friendship and global engagement.

These exchanges encourage youth participation, cultural dialogue, and positive international visibility.

The ministers also discussed cooperation in sustainable development and environmental initiatives.

Shared efforts in this area support global goals while aligning with national sustainability strategies.

Humanitarian collaboration and development assistance were highlighted as areas where both countries can combine strengths.

Joint initiatives aim to support capacity building, social development, and community resilience.

The dialogue reflected confidence in the steady progress achieved through previous agreements and joint frameworks.

Both sides expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in emerging sectors and future oriented projects.

Strong institutional mechanisms were acknowledged as essential for monitoring progress and ensuring effective implementation.

These structures help translate shared commitments into practical outcomes and measurable results.

The partnership was described as forward looking, balanced, and grounded in mutual respect.

It continues to evolve in response to global changes and shared aspirations.

Both countries reaffirmed their intention to maintain close coordination and constructive engagement.

This approach supports stability, growth, and positive contributions to the wider international community.

The renewed commitment signals continuity, trust, and a shared determination to deepen bilateral ties.

It reflects a relationship built on dialogue, cooperation, and long term strategic alignment.

The meeting reflected both nations’ mutual commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, diplomacy, bilateral relations, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, international cooperation, trade relations, political dialogue, economic development, cultural exchange, regional partnership.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress of Saudi-Armenian relations and explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, technology, education, and tourism.

Both parties emphasized their shared interest in building strong institutional ties that foster stability and sustainable development, mutual respect, and global peace, diplomacy, partnership, development cooperation, trade growth, joint ventures, innovation, cultural cooperation, mutual understanding, economic prosperity.

The discussions also focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary relations and fostering legislative cooperation between the Shoura Council and the Armenian National Assembly.

This exchange will enable both countries to share experiences, legislative practices, and governance frameworks that can promote mutual learning and policy advancement, governance, diplomacy, lawmaking, inter-parliamentary relations, strategic dialogue, institutional collaboration, global partnership, shared vision, leadership, reform initiatives.

The meeting underlined the importance of continuous dialogue and consultation as both nations look to deepen their engagement in key areas of mutual benefit.

The exchange also reaffirmed the commitment to peace, respect for sovereignty, and regional stability, which are essential for achieving long-term prosperity and understanding between nations, peace, stability, cooperation, bilateral dialogue, partnership development, international relations, regional peace, political cooperation, national progress, diplomatic trust.

The visit of the Saudi parliamentary delegation symbolizes the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a bridge to stronger international ties.

Such visits create direct communication channels that encourage collaboration, people-to-people connections, and shared visions for sustainable development and regional growth, parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people ties, sustainable cooperation, international friendship, diplomatic partnership, regional growth, innovation, mutual benefit, policy exchange, global progress.

In a related development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The two foreign ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, foreign affairs, global diplomacy, international dialogue, foreign policy, bilateral discussions, cooperation, mutual goals, peace diplomacy, sustainable relations, global engagement.

Following their talks, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations, laying the groundwork for regular discussions on international issues, mutual interests, and shared initiatives.

This agreement further strengthens the foundation of trust and collaboration between the two countries, setting a clear roadmap for future political engagement and cooperation, memorandum of understanding, political consultation, diplomatic relations, trust building, bilateral agreements, policy dialogue, shared development, international cooperation, peace initiatives, global alignment.

Armenia and Saudi Arabia have increasingly emphasized their mutual respect for cultural diversity and cooperation in heritage preservation, education, and tourism.

This focus not only encourages economic partnerships but also builds cultural bridges that promote deeper people-to-people understanding and lasting friendship, cultural diplomacy, heritage exchange, tourism growth, education collaboration, cultural cooperation, people engagement, soft diplomacy, international friendship, global culture, regional unity.

The growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Armenia represents a shared vision for global peace, innovation, and sustainable progress.

Both nations are working toward strengthening economic and diplomatic frameworks that ensure lasting stability and development for future generations, emphasizing cooperation over conflict, and unity over division, international harmony, peace building, sustainability, development goals, global cooperation, economic growth, mutual trust, visionary leadership, partnership success, shared future.

As the seeds of cooperation continue to grow, the meeting between the Armenian President and the Saudi Shoura Council delegation stands as a symbol of optimism and collaboration.

It reflects the positive transformation of Saudi-Armenian relations and their commitment to building a better, more interconnected future for their people and the region, friendship, unity, collaboration, progress, innovation, diplomacy, global peace, sustainable relations, economic development, shared prosperity.

The statement came following a positive and forward-looking phone conversation between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, where both sides emphasized the importance of communication, respect, and collaboration to advance mutual interests and global stability.

During the conversation, Minister Wang Yi expressed that it is natural for two major nations like China and the UK to have differences in opinions.

However, he stressed that these should not overshadow the overall trajectory of cooperation, nor hinder the shared goal of contributing to peace and progress worldwide.

He encouraged both sides to handle disagreements with wisdom and diplomacy, reaffirming that mutual understanding and constructive dialogue are the cornerstones of healthy bilateral relations.

The discussion focused on strengthening strategic communication and exploring practical avenues to expand cooperation in trade, education, science, and environmental protection.

Both ministers highlighted the value of maintaining people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding to foster stronger ties between the Chinese and British societies.

Wang Yi emphasized that consistent dialogue and trust are vital to ensuring a balanced and long-term partnership.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging China’s growing global role and the importance of a stable, forward-looking relationship between London and Beijing.

Both leaders agreed that their nations share many common goals, including addressing climate change, fostering global economic growth, and contributing to regional and international peace.

They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that bilateral cooperation remains grounded in equality, mutual benefit, and respect for each nation’s sovereignty.

The call underscored the readiness of both countries to “meet halfway” in resolving issues of mutual concern. Although specific topics were not disclosed, the spirit of collaboration and dialogue was evident.

This renewed diplomatic effort reflects a broader recognition that, in an interconnected world, challenges such as climate change, global trade stability, and public health require cooperative action rather than confrontation.

China and the UK have long maintained dynamic economic and cultural relations. The two sides have built strong trade partnerships, with Britain being one of China’s key trading partners in Europe.

The ongoing commitment to maintaining open channels of communication demonstrates the countries’ determination to overcome differences and focus on long-term opportunities for growth.

Wang Yi also emphasized that China remains committed to engaging with the United Kingdom in tackling shared global challenges, including environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and public health resilience.

He highlighted that constructive engagement benefits not only both countries but also contributes to global harmony and development.

The phone conversation between Wang Yi and Yvette Cooper serves as a positive signal to the international community, reaffirming that even amid occasional disagreements, diplomatic maturity and cooperation can prevail.

By promoting steady dialogue and mutual respect, China and the UK are paving the way for deeper collaboration that can set an example for other global partnerships.

As both nations continue to navigate an evolving global landscape, their relationship will play a critical role in fostering economic growth, encouraging cultural exchange, and contributing to peace and stability.

With their combined global influence, China and the UK have the potential to shape international progress and promote shared prosperity through open dialogue, respect, and cooperation.

The reaffirmation of commitment to dialogue marks an optimistic chapter in China-UK relations, one characterized by pragmatism, respect, and shared responsibility toward a stable and interconnected world.

Despite global economic challenges, the summit emphasized unity, resilience, and mutual growth, setting a hopeful tone for the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

The joint declaration adopted by APEC leaders underlined the importance of shared benefits in trade and the collective responsibility to create a fair and balanced economic order.

The meeting, hosted by South Korea, saw active participation from major economies including China, Japan, and the United States, reflecting a growing determination to strengthen cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and other regional leaders expressed optimism about revitalizing trade partnerships and exploring new opportunities in artificial intelligence, green energy, and demographic innovation.

Xi proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, a visionary step aimed at fostering global collaboration in technology while encouraging ethical AI development.

The summit’s closing remarks highlighted the Asia-Pacific region’s resilience in navigating economic pressures and political complexities.

South Korea’s leadership, under President Lee, demonstrated a balanced diplomatic approach, welcoming China’s cooperation while maintaining constructive ties with the United States.

This approach reinforced the country’s role as a bridge for dialogue, peace, and trade stability in the region.

President Lee Jae-myung expressed confidence that Asia-Pacific nations could overcome current trade disruptions by working together with transparency and mutual trust.

He emphasized that the region must move beyond competition and build frameworks that promote innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable prosperity for all member nations.

China’s participation in the summit carried a message of collaboration and openness, with Xi Jinping reassuring partners that Beijing seeks shared enrichment, not dominance.

His announcement that China will host APEC 2026 in Shenzhen was met with enthusiasm, symbolizing continuity in dialogue and cooperation.

The move is expected to further strengthen ties between Asian economies and accelerate initiatives in digital transformation, clean energy, and cultural exchange.

The meeting also spotlighted South Korea’s growing influence as a regional mediator. President Lee’s vision of “balanced diplomacy” focuses on fostering peaceful engagement, supporting open trade routes, and promoting technological advancement through joint ventures.

His call for deeper collaboration with China on North Korea-related issues underscored South Korea’s dedication to peace and regional stability.

Throughout the summit, leaders discussed key topics including demographic change, digital innovation, and AI-driven economic models.

These forward-looking discussions reflected APEC’s shift toward a future-ready agenda, where technology and sustainability go hand in hand to shape a stronger global economy.

The absence of tension-filled rhetoric and the focus on mutual progress made this year’s summit one of the most constructive in recent memory.

The dialogue between President Xi and President Lee further symbolized a renewed spirit of cooperation. Both leaders expressed interest in expanding cultural, trade, and educational exchanges to deepen understanding and foster goodwill between their nations.

Analysts viewed this as a sign of growing optimism in the Asia-Pacific community despite ongoing geopolitical complexities.

The APEC 2025 Summit ultimately served as a reminder that collaboration and respect for diversity are the true engines of progress.

With countries reaffirming their shared vision for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainability, the region stands poised for a new era of prosperity and partnership.