Foreign Minister ChinaWang Yi began a visit to New Zealand on Monday (03/18/2024), where he highlighted the need to work with “friends” in a “turbulent international situation”.
This is Wang's first visit to both New Zealand and New Zealand since 2017 AustraliaOn a diplomatic tour.
The visit is expected to focus on trade as China seeks to overcome its slow economic growth.
The tour is an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties that have been hurt by Beijing's increasingly bellicose stance on issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, Wang said before meeting his New Zealand counterpart, Winston Peters.
“Strengthen Connections”
“In the current turbulent international environment, we are ready to strengthen strategic ties with our friends in New Zealand on international and regional issues of common concern,” Wang said.
New Zealand is part of the Five Eyes regional alliance to share intelligence with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
But Wellington has faced criticism for its stance of prioritizing trade relations over the security concerns of its allies.
China is New Zealand's largest trading partner, while the Asian giant is a customer of New Zealand's meat, wine, dairy and timber.
In Australia, Wang meets with Foreign Minister Benny Wong.
China and Australia have recently settled a series of trade disputes.
gs (afp, ap)
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