China Bans New Zealand MPs

China has banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau for a year following their visit to Taiwan in May.

This action highlights escalating tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty and has drawn concern from Australia.

Beijing has also sent its largest patrol vessel to waters east of Taiwan in response to Japanese-Philippine maritime boundary negotiations.

Taiwan's coast guard has deployed vessels to respond to China's operation, which it says 'violates international law.'