On the afternoon of October 12, 2026, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang had a phone call with Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon upon request.
Li Qiang stated that currently, China-New Zealand relations have maintained steady and sound momentum, with new progress made in cooperation across various fields. Meanwhile, the international situation remains complex and evolving, with unilateralism and protectionism continuing to weigh on the global economy. Calls from the international community to safeguard the multilateral system and strengthen openness and cooperation are growing louder. As supporters and practitioners of multilateralism and free trade, China and New Zealand should strengthen communication and coordination. The two countries will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. China stands ready to work with New Zealand to carry forward their traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, injecting fresh impetus into the stability, development and prosperity in both countries, the region and the world.
Li Qiang noted that China is willing to work with New Zealand to remain partners that respect each other and pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Both sides should continue to expand the scale and improve the quality of bilateral trade in goods, tap the potential of trade in services, and expand cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics and wind power to deliver more tangible results. He expressed hope that the two sides will accelerate negotiations on a negative list for trade in services under the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and achieve substantive progress at an early date. The two countries should facilitate people-to-people exchanges and deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, young people and sub-national entities to strengthen the foundation of friendship between their peoples. As members of the Asia-Pacific family, China and New Zealand should also strengthen cooperation within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework and actively advance the building of an Asia-Pacific community.
Christopher Luxon stated that New Zealand-China relations are developing steadily, with practical cooperation advancing across various fields and benefiting the peoples of both countries. New Zealand attaches great importance to its relationship with China and remains firmly committed to the one-China policy. New Zealand is willing to take the opportunity of next year’s 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen mutual understanding and trust, and enhance practical cooperation in trade, tourism, new energy and other areas to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He also expressed New Zealand’s support for China’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.