In what has been one of her most important diplomatic mission, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has opened the door for a visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins later this year.
Such a mission is regarded as vital with a new Prime Minister Li Qiang settling into office. NZ’s last contact at prime ministerial level was in 2019 when what was a planned extended Jacinda Ardern mission had to be cut short.
Since then tensions have deepened between China (which is New Zealand’s largest market) and the US (NZ’s traditional defence partner).
So as Mahuta said on her return from a four-day visit to China, NZ’s relationship with the leaders in Beijing “is very important and complex”.
It requires “continual management” to make sure the two countries do not lose sight of each others’ views and perspectives.
Mahuta had talks with Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the message she received is that the relationship is strong; China appreciates New Zealand’s “objective and friendly approach” and is keen to pursue opportunities to increase trade and economic co-operation.
That message will be welcomed by NZ traders, even though in recent months there have been calls to lessen the dependency on the Chinese market.
On her return Mahuta told RNZ there were a range of issues at play “beyond trade and the economy”; and that includes “identifying areas of opportunity, as well as being able to have conversations on the issues that we don’t agree on”.
“That’s why we take seriously the way in which we look after the relationship with China,” she said.
New Zealand has a constant balancing act between China, its largest trading partner, and traditional security and defence partners, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The race is on for influence in the Indo-Pacific, with increased militarisation from both sides; the most recent shot across China’s bow was confirmation of the three-way defence pact AUKUS.
The message from China is the relationship is strong; it appreciates New Zealand’s “objective and friendly approach” and is keen to pursue opportunities to increase trade and economic co-operation.
After the talks Mahuta said NZ looks forward to the resumption of a range of in-person high level discussions and officials’ dialogues, including on foreign affairs, climate change, human rights, the Pacific, and trade, which provide a valuable platform for engagement.” .
New Zealand has a constant balancing act between China, its largest trading partner, and traditional security and defence partners, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
One of China’s top diplomats, Wang Yi, is reported to have told Mahuta that China sees New Zealand as an important partner, and the two countries should upgrade their economic and trade co-operation.
Wang Yi, director of the Foreign Affairs Commission, said China and New Zealand had always respected and trusted each other, and bilateral ties had long been at the forefront of China’s relations with developed Western countries, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry.
“China-New Zealand cooperation has great potential,” Wang said.
New Zealand and China’s interactions have remained largely cordial, with the two sides upgrading their free trade pact last year. China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner.
But last year former prime minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand was “gravely” concerned about the possible militarisation of the Pacific after the Solomon Islands formed a security pact with China.
The Solomon Islands and China have consistently denied that their security partnership would allow a naval base. Last week, the Solomon Islands said it had awarded a deal to a Chinese state company to upgrade a port in Honiara.
Ahead of her visit, Mahuta she said would advocate “for approaches and outcomes that reflect New Zealand’s interests and values, including on human rights.”
“I also intend to raise New Zealand’s concerns about key regional and global security challenges, including the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Wang told Mahuta that China would continue to play a constructive role in promoting political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, according to the foreign ministry statement.
China has long refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow refers to its actions as a “special military operation”.
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