A Chinese New Zealander's been detained in China again after crossing the border without the proper visa.

54-year-old Nick Wang entered the country illegally to see his 87-year-old mother for Chinese New Year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it's aware of the situation.

It says the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing is providing consular support and has sought approval to visit him.

It's the second time in two years the former journalist has been arrested for the same offence.

After the last incident in 2013, he claimed he was chained and tortured for five days before being deported to Auckland.