Li, China's prime minister, advocates for collaboration in New Zealand while cautioning against division.
Luxon shared that delicate subjects such as the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea were also brought up at the gathering. "During our conversation with Premier Li, I raised various matters that greatly matter to New Zealand and are rooted in our core beliefs, including human rights and foreign meddling," he shared.
China's Prime Minister Li ranks as the highest-level official from Beijing to pay a visit to New Zealand and Australia since 2017.
Just after touchdown in New Zealand's capital, Wellington, Li expressed his interest in reviving China's longstanding camaraderie with New Zealand. There werepredicted to be lucrative outcomes in trade, and fresh avenues may sprout through tourism and investments.
Regarded as one of China's closest partners among the Western democracies, New Zealand has been going through a strained period of relations with Beijing due to the latter's military and diplomatic push in the Pacific.
The new right-leaning government in Wellington has lately aligned itself more with Australia and the United States, even considering to join the AUKUS security deal between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the course of their talks, the Chinese delegation indicated "reservations" regarding this potential move.
Geoffrey Miller, an expert at the University of Wellington, posits that Li could potentially soothe the government's stand through economic appeasement during his stint in New Zealand. Li might outline what New Zealand could possibly lose if it opts to become a part of the AUKUS security accord, Miller explained to news agency AFP.
Following his stopover in New Zealand, Li is slated to jet off to Australia on Saturday. Across his six-day trek, Li will touch down in five cities in both nations, interact with two prime ministers, and hold discussions with entrepreneurial giants. Commerce will spearhead the excursion, but deteriorating diplomatic connections will receive attention as well.
Australia has also been gravitating towards the United States in response to China's military objectives, yet Beijing still remains a major trade partner.
While in Australia, Li will engage in Chinese panda diplomacy: One of his initial destinations in the land down under will be the Adelaide Zoo, home to two giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who have been on loan from China since 2009. The arrival of the Chinese prime minister is perceived as an indicator that the pandas' sojourn in a foreign country could be prolonged.
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Luxon mentioned discussing human rights and foreign meddling with Prime Minister Li, highlighting New Zealand's concerns.China's Prime Minister Li expressed hopes to revive China's friendship with New Zealand, anticipating profitable outcomes in trade and tourism.Luxon acknowledged that China's delegation expressed reservations about New Zealand joining the AUKUS security deal during their talks.Geoffrey Miller suggested that Li might use economic appeasement to influence New Zealand's stance on joining AUKUS.After visiting New Zealand, Li will travel to Australia, meeting with two prime ministers and interacting with business leaders.Australia maintains robust trade relations with China despite aligning more with the USA and the UK.Li is scheduled to visit the Adelaide Zoo, home to the giant pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni, indicating a possible extension of their stay in Australia.
