Beijing, China — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations amidst a rapidly changing global landscape.
During the talks in Beijing, Premier Li emphasized the importance of strategic communication and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. “In light of the changes and turbulence in today’s world, enhancing our partnership holds great significance,” Li stated.
Earlier that day, President Xi Jinping held discussions with Prime Minister Luxon, setting the direction for the next stage of bilateral relations. Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with New Zealand to build on their traditional friendship, bolster mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation for shared development and greater benefits to both peoples.
Highlighting the high complementarity between the two economies, Premier Li proposed aligning development strategies to explore common interests and upgrade cooperation in all fields. He called for an expansion of trade, promotion of trade and investment liberalization, and enhanced cooperation in emerging sectors to support regional economic integration.
“China is ready to import more quality agricultural and food products from New Zealand,” Li said. “We encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest in New Zealand and hope for a fair and open business environment for them.”
China welcomed New Zealand as the guest country of honor at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in 2025. Premier Li expressed a desire to deepen exchanges in education, tourism, think tanks, and local cooperation to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples.
Addressing the profound changes in the global economic and trade landscape, Li noted China’s readiness to strengthen communication and cooperation within frameworks like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. The aim is to safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system and foster an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory international economic environment.
Prime Minister Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to maintain high-level exchanges with China. “We look forward to deepening cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism, and education,” Luxon said. He also emphasized enhancing communication on climate change and green development, jointly promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Following the talks, Premier Li and Prime Minister Luxon witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements covering customs, food safety, organic product certification, climate change, and cultural heritage.
