Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of overcoming differences and fostering greater trade and friendship with New Zealand during his visit to Wellington for bilateral talks. This marks a significant diplomatic engagement as Li embarks on a six-day tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Addressing the media after a closed-door meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Li acknowledged the natural disagreements between the two nations but stressed that these should not hinder exchanges and cooperation.
“It is natural that we don’t always see eye-to-eye on everything,” Li stated. “But such differences should not become a chasm that blocks exchanges and cooperation between us.”
Prime Minister Luxon highlighted key issues such as foreign interference and tensions in the South China Sea during their discussions. “I raised with Premier Li a number of issues that are important to New Zealanders and which speak to our core values, including human rights and foreign interference,” Luxon said.
Li, the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit New Zealand and Australia since 2017, will visit five cities, meet two prime ministers, and engage with business leaders and participate in China’s “Panda diplomacy” during his tour. His arrival in Wellington was marked by enthusiastic supporters and a smaller group of protesters.
Ahead of the meeting, Li expressed his aim to renew the “traditional friendship” with New Zealand, highlighting opportunities to boost trade, tourism, and investment. He announced China’s invitation to New Zealand as a guest country at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November and promised to explore new areas of cooperation, including the digital economy, green economy, new energy vehicles, and creative industries.
China will extend unilateral visa-free travel to New Zealanders as part of measures to facilitate two-way travel and strengthen ties. This comes amid shifting dynamics in the region, with New Zealand and Australia becoming more critical of China’s influence in the South Pacific.
While maintaining strong trade relations, both countries have voiced concerns over China’s military expansion and interference in regional affairs. New Zealand has contemplated a limited role in the Aukus security pact, a key initiative by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia to counter China’s military activities. Luxon noted that China had expressed concerns about the Aukus deal during their talks.
Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller from Victoria University in Wellington noted that Li’s visit aims to caution New Zealand against jeopardizing trade relations by aligning too closely with Aukus. “Li will dangle trade ‘carrots’ to soften New Zealand’s stance,” Miller said, suggesting Beijing might offer incentives to highlight the potential economic consequences of siding with Aukus.
China remains the largest export market for both Australia and New Zealand, with New Zealand exporting nearly a third of its goods to China, including premium meat, dairy, and wine.
After his New Zealand visit, Li will continue to Adelaide, Australia, where he will engage with local leaders and possibly extend the stay of giant pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni, signifying continued cultural and diplomatic ties.