Photo source: Xinhua
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon characterised his inaugural meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru as “really productive, positive and constructive.”
Following the meeting, which took place on a day filled with bilateral discussions with leaders from Vietnam and Indonesia, Luxon stated, “It was a really productive, positive and constructive conversation.” He described the day as “full on,” culminating in a 25-minute dialogue with Xi.
Luxon noted that while they addressed challenging topics such as “human rights” and tensions in the “South China Sea,” the conversation primarily focused on collaborative efforts. The two leaders discussed potential cooperation in areas like climate change and trade opportunities. Additionally, Luxon revealed that he had received an invitation to visit China early next year.
He also expressed his eagerness to strengthen ties with China during the meeting.
“I look forward to us to continuing to build on our partnership and our friendship.”
Xi, speaking through a translator, said, “China is ready to work with your government to create more firsts for our relations.”
Luxon, who previously held a position as an airline executive, noted that he has visited China numerous times and has a deep understanding of the country.
However, this meeting marked the first encounter between Xi and Luxon.
In June, during a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang—the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit New Zealand in seven years—both nations signed agreements focused on trade and climate change.
China stands as New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly NZ$38 billion (approximately USD$23.27 billion).
New Zealand’s foreign minister has described the relationship between the two countries as “complex,” highlighting differing views on issues such as Taiwan and the treatment of Muslim minorities in China’s Xinjiang region.
Luxon’s first bilateral meeting at APEC was with Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, who proposed streamlining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to enhance trade between Peru and New Zealand.