In a significant move to bolster international cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday. The two leaders pledged to deepen bilateral ties and uphold the multilateral trading system.
President Xi highlighted the enduring friendship between China and New Zealand, noting that over the past 50 years, the relationship has withstood changes in the global landscape. “Our two countries have consistently upheld mutual respect and advanced together,” Xi said, emphasizing that their ties have often been ahead of China’s relations with other developed Western nations.
As the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand enters its second decade, Xi called for joint efforts to achieve greater development for the benefit of both peoples in the next ten years. He encouraged expanding collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, climate change, and infrastructure.
President Xi also underscored the importance of enhancing cultural and educational exchanges, particularly among youth and local communities. He stressed that China and New Zealand have no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest and urged for continued mutual respect and dialogue to address any differences.
Prime Minister Luxon acknowledged the strategic importance of the relationship and recalled President Xi’s 2014 visit to New Zealand, which established the comprehensive strategic partnership. “We are strongly committed to the one-China policy,” Luxon affirmed.
Luxon expressed a desire to expand trade and investment, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and the dairy industry, and to boost people-to-people exchanges in tourism and education. “In these uncertain times, the international community looks to China to play a constructive role in addressing global challenges,” he said.
Both leaders agreed on the need to uphold the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization. Luxon also expressed support for China hosting the 2026 APEC meeting, signaling continued collaboration on the international stage.
