New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to embark on a diplomatic visit to China in the coming months, following constructive discussions with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to New Zealand this week.
Luxon, accompanied by Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister Todd McClay, engaged in productive meetings with Wang, marking a significant diplomatic exchange as Wang became the first high-ranking Chinese official to visit New Zealand since 2017.
Peters, addressing the media in a briefing on Tuesday, characterized the meetings with Wang as “very convivial, very friendly.” He announced McClay’s scheduled visit to China next month, with Luxon expected to follow suit shortly thereafter.
While a spokesperson for the Prime Minister indicated that Luxon had received an invitation to visit China and extended an invitation for Chinese leadership to visit New Zealand, official confirmation of the visits is pending.
If realized, Luxon’s visit would mark his inaugural diplomatic trip since assuming office as Prime Minister last October. Notably, Chris Hipkins undertook a visit to China in mid-2023 during his tenure as Prime Minister.
New Zealand has maintained a cooperative relationship with China amidst challenges faced by other Western partners. However, the country has increasingly voiced concerns over certain actions by China, particularly regarding regional security dynamics.
New Zealand has raised objections to China’s security agreement with the Solomon Islands, emphasizing the importance of upholding agreements within the Pacific region to address defense needs collaboratively.
Peters reiterated the significance of respecting Pacific agreements during discussions with Wang, emphasizing the need for adherence to established rules within the region.
While acknowledging China’s concerns regarding New Zealand’s potential involvement in the AUKUS security pact, Peters affirmed New Zealand’s prerogative to make independent decisions regarding its defense and security interests. He expressed confidence that such decisions would not jeopardize the country’s vital trading relationship with China.
