Beijing, June 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday, calling for both nations to deepen cooperation and further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.
President Xi praised the enduring strength of China–New Zealand relations, highlighting that for over five decades, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have consistently remained at the forefront of China’s engagement with Western developed countries.
“As the China–New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, both sides should work to grow the partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples,” President Xi said.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing cooperation in bilateral relations and called for greater synergy between the two countries’ complementary strengths. Xi outlined key areas for deeper collaboration, including trade and investment, scientific and technological innovation, climate change, and infrastructure development.
President Xi also encouraged enhanced people-to-people exchanges, particularly in the fields of education, culture, youth engagement, and sub-national and non-governmental interactions.
“There are no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest between China and New Zealand,” Xi noted. “Both countries should respect each other, seek common ground while reserving differences, and appropriately view and address disagreements.”
Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations this year, Xi underscored the shared responsibility of both countries in upholding the post-war international order. He called on China and New Zealand to jointly support the international system with the United Nations at its core, as well as the multilateral trading system anchored by the World Trade Organization.
President Xi urged both nations to work together to promote international fairness and justice, contributing to a more just and equitable global order.
Prime Minister Luxon, in response, reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the one-China policy and underscored the importance of maintaining mutual respect and understanding in bilateral ties. He expressed his country’s intent to sustain high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, dairy, tourism, and education.
Luxon also acknowledged the uncertain global environment, stating that the international community expects China to play an increasingly significant role. He affirmed New Zealand’s readiness to enhance communication and coordination with China to safeguard the multilateral trading system and address global challenges.
He further expressed New Zealand’s support for China’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026.
