China has banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering China for one year. The ban also covers Hong Kong and Macau.

It came after the four visited Taiwan in May. The banned lawmakers are Maureen Pugh, David Wilson and Laura McClure from the ruling coalition.

Duncan Webb from the Labour opposition is also banned. They traveled together and met Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim.

This is the first time China has taken such action against New Zealand politicians. China also asked the lawmakers to say sorry for the Taiwan visit.

Lawmaker Laura McClure has publicly declined to apologize. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said he was surprised by the ban.

New Zealand lawmakers have visited Taiwan for years without previous issues. Peters has asked diplomats in Beijing and Wellington to seek answers from China.