Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his official visit to China with high-level meetings in Beijing, describing the three-day mission as a success for New Zealand’s trade and diplomatic relationships.
At the Great Hall of the People, Luxon met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss a range of bilateral issues.
The pair issued a Joint Statement of Outcomes and witnessed the signing of 11 new government-to-government arrangements, spanning climate change, cultural links, tourism, and trade facilitation.
“These arrangements will help New Zealand exporters by opening up new trade and making existing trade faster, predictable and cheaper,” Luxon said.
He said the meeting also included open discussions on areas of difference, including human rights and engagement in the Pacific.
“I raised with Premier Li a number of issues that are important to New Zealand. In particular, the need for engagement in the Pacific to take place in a manner which advances Pacific priorities,” Luxon said.
He said they also spoke about “rising tensions in the Indo Pacific, including in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait,” and the broader security and climate challenges facing the region.
Luxon also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining. He said his conversation with Chairman Zhao focused on the long-standing history of parliamentary exchanges between the two nations.
During the visit, Luxon was joined by a delegation of New Zealand business leaders, promoting the country’s food and beverage, health, and wellbeing products.
“The visit has reinforced for me that New Zealand remains well-placed to meet the evolving needs of Chinese consumers, particularly in premium and niche categories that support higher-quality lifestyles,” he said.
He also used the visit to promote New Zealand as a world-class destination for tourism and education, acknowledging the importance of air links that support these sectors.
“Inbound tourists and students bring people together, build understanding, and support jobs across New Zealand,” Luxon said.
Beijing was the final stop on the Prime Minister’s China tour. He now heads to Europe for the next leg of his overseas programme.
