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Zhao Leji on New Zealand

Trade relationship advocate (strong)

TL;DR

Zhao Leji advocates for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and enhancing trade ties between China and New Zealand.

Key Points

  • Zhao Leji called for the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and New Zealand during his visit in 2025.

  • He emphasized the importance of leveraging legislative bodies to enhance China-New Zealand ties and people-to-people exchanges.

  • He expressed readiness to work with New Zealand counterparts to upgrade cooperation mechanisms across various fields as of November 2025.

Summary

Zhao Leji, China's third-highest-ranking official, has explicitly called for a strengthening of the bilateral relationship with New Zealand, emphasizing mutual benefit and cooperation. During a landmark trip, he stressed the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and robust trade partnerships, viewing the relationship as crucial for regional stability and economic growth. His statements consistently highlight the need to expand collaboration across various sectors, building upon existing agreements.

This position underscores a focus on practical, results-oriented diplomacy with Wellington, which is closely aligned with broader Chinese foreign policy goals concerning developed Pacific nations. The emphasis on trade and mutually beneficial outcomes suggests a pragmatic approach aimed at securing economic advantages while encouraging political dialogue. His official engagements included meetings with New Zealand legislative and government figures to solidify these cooperative frameworks.

Key Quotes

China is willing to work with New Zealand to consolidate traditional friendship, enhance understanding and mutual trust, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and be sincere friends and cooperative partners who treat each other as equals, Zhao said.

It is hoped that China and New Zealand can deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen multilateral collaboration, and jointly promote trade and investment liberalization as well as regional economic integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zhao Leji's position centers on promoting deeper, mutually beneficial cooperation and advancing trade ties with New Zealand. He views the relationship as important for regional stability and seeks to enhance exchanges across various sectors.

He explicitly called for closer trade ties with New Zealand, stressing the need to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Zhao Leji encouraged working with New Zealand to upgrade existing cooperation mechanisms.

Zhao Leji undertook a high-profile visit to New Zealand in November 2025 as part of his tour of the region. His engagements during this trip focused heavily on bilateral relations.

Sources10

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.