China and New Zealand have pledged to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, following a historic meeting between Premier Li Qiang of China and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand. Premier Li’s official visit to New Zealand from June 13 to 15, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations, coming a decade after the establishment of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2014.
During the visit, Premier Li met with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and held in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Luxon. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the 1972 Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and New Zealand, underscoring the importance of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit in their ongoing cooperation.
Deepening Cooperation and Dialogue
Recognizing the positive developments over the past decade, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors. They recommitted to regular dialogues on foreign affairs, trade and economics, agriculture, consular issues, law enforcement, defense, and human rights. Both sides welcomed the upcoming Ministerial Climate Change Dialogue set to take place this year, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.
The leaders emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, announcing steps to facilitate further interactions in education, tourism, culture, sports, science, and innovation. In a significant move to bolster tourism and business travel, China announced a unilateral visa exemption policy for New Zealand citizens, making it easier for New Zealanders to visit China.
Commitment to Multilateralism
China and New Zealand reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Charter and the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. They acknowledged the necessity of greater dialogue and consultation to address regional and global challenges and expressed their joint commitment to working together in relevant multilateral and regional fora, including the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and ASEAN-centered fora.
New Zealand noted China’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and reiterated that the CPTPP remains open to accession by economies that can meet its high standards. New Zealand also recognized the ongoing discussions regarding China’s accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).
New Initiatives and Agreements
The visit culminated in the signing of several memoranda of arrangement and agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas of shared interest, including:
- Commencement of Trade in Services negotiations based on a negative list approach under the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement;
- An export plan concerning phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh kiwiberry from New Zealand to China;
- A memorandum on infant formula cooperation;
- An arrangement concerning cooperation on business environment optimization;
- A patent prosecution highway pilot program;
- Cooperation to promote the exchange of bird banding data for migratory shorebirds and seabirds;
- Confirmation of the ninth round of the New Zealand-China Strategic Research Alliance recipients.
These initiatives reflect both countries’ commitment to advancing their economic and scientific collaboration, supporting sustainable development, and fostering innovation.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Luxon expressed appreciation for Premier Li’s visit and welcomed the invitation for New Zealand leaders to visit China at a mutually convenient time. The reaffirmation of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the new agreements signal a strong foundation for future cooperation.
The strengthened ties between China and New Zealand hold significant promise for both nations, offering opportunities for businesses, investors, academics, and cultural exchanges. As they work together to address regional and global challenges, the deepened partnership is expected to contribute positively to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
Reference(s):
China, New Zealand issue joint statement on ties, cooperation
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