Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held talks in Beijing on Friday, focusing on strengthening economic relations while also addressing geopolitical concerns in the Pacific region.
During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, the two leaders highlighted the importance of trade and cooperation amid China's growing influence in the Pacific — a region where New Zealand and other Western countries have historically maintained stronger security ties.
Luxon's visit, his first to China since assuming office in November 2023, emphasized New Zealand’s desire for regional peace, stability, and continued support for Pacific-led initiatives. According to a statement from Wellington, Luxon also underscored the importance of lowering tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Describing the meeting as "constructive" in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Luxon said the two discussed wide-ranging aspects of the New Zealand-China relationship — from trade and people-to-people connections to their responsibilities on global issues. "In a complex world, open dialogue is more important than ever," he noted.
The meeting follows tensions earlier this year when the Cook Islands — which maintain constitutional ties with New Zealand — signed economic, infrastructure, and seabed mining agreements with China without prior consultation with Wellington.
Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to the Pacific Islands Forum, a key regional body promoting collaboration among Pacific nations and territories.
President Xi, in remarks reported by China’s Xinhua news agency, emphasized the value of mutual respect and finding common ground. "There are no historical grievances or conflicts of interest between China and New Zealand," Xi said, encouraging both countries to approach differences constructively.
Luxon’s four-day trip includes stops in both Beijing and Shanghai, where he has championed trade, tourism, and educational exchanges. He also promoted New Zealand's meat and dairy exports — vital components of the NZ$20.85 billion ($12.51 billion) export relationship with China in 2024, according to government data.
The visit has already yielded agreements in travel and education, while China Eastern Airlines is set to increase flights to New Zealand from December. Additionally, New Zealand announced a 12-month trial of visa waivers starting in November for Chinese citizens arriving from Australia who hold valid Australian visas.
Luxon shared regular updates via Instagram, reinforcing his domestic economic agenda, saying his mission is to put "money into your back pocket." His government hopes the revitalized bilateral ties will further boost New Zealand's post-pandemic recovery, especially in tourism and higher education, with China remaining a crucial partner.
