Xi meets New Zealand's PM

On the morning of June 20, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand's Prime Minister Laxon in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 50 years ago, the China - New Zealand relationship has withstood the changes of the international situation. The two sides have always respected each other and advanced hand in hand. The bilateral relationship has long been at the forefront of China's relations with Western developed countries, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. As the China - New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters its second decade, both sides should jointly promote greater development of the bilateral relationship in the new decade to better benefit the people of both countries.Xi Jinping emphasized that the two sides should place cooperation in a more prominent position in the bilateral relationship, give play to their complementary advantages, deepen trade and investment cooperation, tap the potential for cooperation in such fields as scientific and technological innovation, climate change response and infrastructure, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, youth, civil society and local areas to enrich the connotation of the bilateral relationship. There are no historical grudges or fundamental conflicts of interest between China and New Zealand. The two sides should respect each other, seek common ground while reserving differences, and correctly view and handle the differences and disputes between the two countries.Laxon said that the New Zealand - China relationship has a long history and is of far - reaching significance to New Zealand. Eleven years ago, President Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between New Zealand and China. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, the bilateral relationship has flourished. The world expects China to assume its responsibilities as a major country and play a constructive role in addressing many major challenges facing all mankind.