China and New Zealand Strengthen Partnership in Landmark Summit
On June 13, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a pivotal meeting, marking a significant milestone in the Chinese mainland-New Zealand relations. 🤝✨
The leaders hailed the positive developments in their bilateral relationship and committed to fostering greater understanding through regular dialogues on foreign affairs, trade, economy, agriculture, and more. This collaboration underscores the importance of consultation in addressing regional and global challenges.
A joint statement released later Thursday highlighted that the Chinese mainland will now include New Zealand in its list of unilateral visa-free countries, a move welcomed by both nations. Prior to the summit, PM Luxon described Li's visit as a \"valuable opportunity\" for exchanges and praised the ties between the two countries as \"significant\" and \"resilient.\"
The Chinese mainland stands as Wellington's largest export destination, and New Zealand remains one of the Chinese mainland's closest partners in the region. With the economy at the forefront of his agenda, Luxon expressed confidence that trade with the Chinese mainland will help achieve his government's goal of doubling exports over the next decade. 📈💼
New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay lauded the upgraded bilateral free trade agreement during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit in March, calling it an \"important example\" of the expanding Beijing-Wellington partnership in the face of rising trade barriers and uncertainties.
Wellington's membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) further solidifies its commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. The agreement is expected to add $186 billion to the global economy and boost New Zealand's GDP by $2 billion in the future.
The summit also emphasized the need to maintain regional peace and stability amidst U.S.-led efforts, highlighting the critical role of collaboration in \"maintaining peace\" in the Asia-Pacific. 🕊️🌏
Li's visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Chinese mainland-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, demonstrating both nations' willingness to set aside differences and deepen their relations. This commitment is key to better understanding each other's perspectives on regional security and other pressing issues.
