New Zealander detained in China after entering country illegally

File photo / NZ Herald

A Chinese New Zealander has been detained in China after entering the country illegally to see his 87-year-old mother for Chinese New Year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was aware that Nick Wang, a former Wellington-based Chinese newspaper editor, had been detained for an immigration offence.

The 54-year-old former journalist was arrested by Chinese authorities in Hohot, Inner Mongolia, after he crossed the border without a relevant visa.

"The New Zealand Embassy in Beijing is providing consular support and has sought approval to visit him in detention to check on his well-being," a Ministry spokesman said.

"As is the case with all New Zealand citizens, the Ministry cannot interfere in the judicial proceedings of another country."

This is the second time in two years that Mr Wang had been arrested for the same offence.

In 2013, he managed to get to his family home in Hohot, but was tracked down and arrested after three days.

At the time, he claimed that he was chained and tortured for five days before he was deported to Auckland.