China’s Premier Li Qiang was warmly welcomed to New Zealand on Thursday with a traditional ceremony in the capital, Wellington. This visit marks the highest-level Chinese delegation to the country in seven years. The premier was greeted on the lawns of Government House by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and the governor-general. A traditional Indigenous Maori welcome followed before heading inside for discussions.
“Everyone knows that the international situation is undergoing complex and profound changes, but we, China and New Zealand, attach great importance to developing bilateral relations,” said Li before the meeting. “Our willingness to step up mutually beneficial cooperation is equally strong,” he added, expressing his readiness for an open exchange of views with Luxon.
New Zealand’s stance towards China has shifted since the last visit by a Chinese premier in 2017. Previously seen as more moderate, New Zealand has recently toughened its approach. This year, the country called out Beijing for hacking its parliament and noted the growing security threat China poses in the Pacific. Despite these tensions, New Zealand has largely avoided the trade disputes with Beijing that have affected neighbouring Australia.
“Our candid discussion and ongoing frank dialogue are essential if we are to make the most of the opportunities for our two countries and navigate areas of difficulty,” Luxon stated before the meeting, emphasizing potential collaborations in trade, energy, and climate change.
In Wellington, Chinese-New Zealanders gathered at a central hotel to show support for Li’s visit, waving Chinese flags and holding banners celebrating the relationship between the two countries. Some others protested against China’s treatment of its citizens.
“I’m just very excited to be here,” said Ling Wang, who travelled two hours from Palmerston North to greet the premier. Wang had made the same trip in 2017 for the visit of Premier Li Keqiang.
With Inputs from Reuters
