In a significant move strengthening bilateral relations, China and New Zealand have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors. This development marks a decade since the 2014 Joint Statement established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China visited New Zealand from June 13-15, 2024, at the invitation of New Zealand's Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. During his visit, Premier Li met with Governor-General The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, and both leaders engaged in discussions addressing the China-New Zealand relationship alongside regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The leaders emphasized the enduring importance of the 1972 Joint Communique on Diplomatic Relations and reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to the one-China Policy. Celebrating ten years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both parties acknowledged the positive trajectory of their relationship and committed to enhancing cooperation grounded in equality, fairness, mutual respect, and mutual benefit. They also highlighted the necessity of managing differences through regular dialogue among leaders, ministers, and officials.
Key areas of cooperation include foreign affairs, trade and economics, agriculture, consular issues, law enforcement, defense, Pacific affairs, and human rights. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Ministerial Climate Change Dialogue and underscored ongoing collaborations in food safety, customs, agriculture, trade facilitation, and the green economy. Enhancing people-to-people exchanges remains a priority, with initiatives spanning education, tourism, culture, sports, science, and innovation. Notably, China has announced a unilateral visa exemption policy for New Zealand, facilitating easier travel between the two nations.
Reinforcing their dedication to multilateralism, China and New Zealand reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Charter and the rules-based multilateral trading system, particularly the World Trade Organization (WTO). They committed to working together within multilateral and regional frameworks, including the UN, APEC, EAS, RCEP, and ASEAN-centered forums.
New Zealand acknowledged China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), reiterating that the agreement remains open to nations that can meet the Auckland Principles. Discussions are ongoing within the Accessions Working Group regarding China's progress in joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).
Prime Minister Luxon and Premier Li also highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation, such as negotiations on trade in services, phytosanitary export plans, infant formula cooperation, business environment optimization, a patent prosecution highway pilot program, migratory bird data exchange, and strategic research alliances.
Looking ahead, the New Zealand side welcomed China's invitation for New Zealand leaders to visit China at a mutually convenient time, signaling continued goodwill and collaboration between the two countries.
Reference(s):
China, New Zealand issue joint statement on ties, cooperation
cgtn.com
