On Friday, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said that New Zealand is a crucial partner and has trust in stable bilateral ties, as the South Pacific nation showed signs of taking a harsher stance on China’s involvement in the area.
According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement, Wang reminded New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, that China and New Zealand have always respected and trusted one another.
He said China-New Zealand cooperation has huge potential.
Mahuta landed in China on Wednesday for a four-day trip, the first by a New Zealand minister since 2019, opening the way for Chris Hipkins, who became prime minister in January when Jacinda Ardern quit.
Last year, New Zealand and China upgraded their free trade treaty, maintaining good relations. New Zealand’s biggest trading partner is China.
After the Solomon Islands signed a security partnership with China last year, Ardern said New Zealand was “gravely” concerned about Pacific militarization.
The Solomon Islands and China have denied a naval base. However, a Chinese state enterprise will modernize Honiara’s port; the Solomon Islands said this week.
“For ways and outcomes that represent New Zealand’s interests and values, especially on human rights,” Mahuta said before her visit.
“I’ll also voice New Zealand’s concerns about regional and global security issues, especially the illegitimate Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
According to the foreign ministry statement, Wang informed Mahuta that China would continue to help resolve the Ukrainian situation politically.
China has avoided criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia calls its operations “special military operation.”
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