New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre

Ambassador Zhao Xing Meets MFAT Deputy Secretary Grahame Morton On 5 November, Ambassador Zhao Xing met with Mr Grahame Morton, Deputy Secretary of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Zhao Xing thanked the New Zealand side for its support and assistance provided for the assumption of his duties. He noted that China–New Zealand relations have long maintained positive momentum, with frequent friendly exchanges between the two countries and their peoples across a wide range of fields. China looks forward to strengthening bilateral and multilateral coordination with New Zealand and making a positive contribution to the development of both countries, the region and the wider world. Ambassador Zhao also briefed Mr Morton on the essence and outcomes of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Mr Morton thanked Ambassador Zhao for the briefing and warmly welcomed him to his new post. He said that New Zealand highly values its relationship with China and stands ready to further enhance exchanges at all levels and deepen all-round cooperation, including in trade and people-to-people links. He also expressed New Zealand's readiness to work hand in hand with China to address regional and global challenges and jointly promote the steady and sustained growth of bilateral relations.

On October 12, 2026, 🇨🇳Premier Li Qiang took a phone call from 🇳🇿New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon. Li Qiang said that China-New Zealand relations have been moving forward steadily with fresh progress in cooperation across various fields. Meanwhile, the international landscape continues to undergo complex changes. Unilateralism and protectionism keep disrupting the world economy, and the international community has voiced stronger calls for upholding the multilateral system and strengthening open cooperation. As supporters and practitioners of multilateralism and free trade, China and New Zealand should engage in more communication and coordination. Next year will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand. China stands ready to work with New Zealand to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, further deepen the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and add impetus to the stability, development and prosperity of the two countries, the region and the world at large. Christopher Luxon said that New Zealand-China relations are developing steadily, with practical cooperation in various fields making solid progress, benefiting the people of both countries. New Zealand attaches high importance to its relations with China and firmly pursues the one-China policy. New Zealand is willing to take the opportunity of celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, deepen mutual understanding and trust, and advance practical cooperation in trade, tourism, new energy and other areas to grow the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. New Zealand supports China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.