Wang Yi Holds Virtual Meeting with New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta

On June 13, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta at the latter's request.

Mahuta said, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and China is a significant event in bilateral relations, and New Zealand is committed to developing the New Zealand-China comprehensive strategic partnership and promoting pragmatic cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. New Zealand has long adhered to the one-China principle and appreciates China's respect for New Zealand's independent foreign policy. New Zealand and China can achieve common goals through dialogue, and conduct cooperation in addressing climate change, fighting the pandemic, promoting regional development and prosperity, and other fields.

Wang Yi said, since the establishment of diplomatic ties half a century ago, China-New Zealand relations have gone through the evolving international landscape and become a successful example of win-win cooperation between countries that differ in social system, history, culture and development stage. China-New Zealand relations have created many "firsts", playing a steering role in China's relations with developed countries. China appreciates the fact that the New Zealand government has consistently pursued a positive and pragmatic China policy and regards its relations with China as one of the main directions of its foreign relations. China attaches importance to New Zealand's position and role, always regards New Zealand as an important strategic cooperative partner, and is full of confidence in the prospects of bilateral relations. Both sides should conscientiously take stock of the successful experience over the past 50 years, enhance mutual trust, focus on mutually beneficial cooperation, and usher in the next 50 years of bilateral relations featuring greater maturity, stability, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Wang Yi said, as Ms. Foreign Minister has said many times, China-New Zealand relations have become increasingly mature and resilient. The most important takeaway from the 50 years of bilateral exchanges is mutual respect. Both sides respect the development path chosen by each other's people, pursue an independent foreign policy, cherish and advocate multilateralism, do not impose one's will on each other, and stick to non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. The valuable experience should be cherished and carried forward.

Wang Yi said, China is ready to work with New Zealand to earnestly follow through on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, tell the story of friendly exchanges between the two countries, and cement the public support for bilateral relations. The two sides should also ensure sound implementation of the protocol on upgrading the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, make good use of the China-New Zealand Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change, and accelerate green recovery. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI) in succession, and China welcomes New Zealand's active participation in the two initiatives.

Wang Yi said, exchanges and cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries (PICs), dating back to long ago and enjoying vigorous development, is an important part of South-South cooperation. As the largest developing country, China is ready to share its development opportunities with PICs having diplomatic relations with China, and help them accelerate development. New Zealand is a standard-bearer of regional multilateralism and has always been committed to regional peace and stability. China respects the traditional ties between New Zealand and PICs, as well as the existing regional cooperation mechanisms. The cooperation between China and PICs having diplomatic relations with China can go in parallel with and complement the existing regional arrangements. In light of the wish of PICs, China will continue to carry out more tripartite and multi-party cooperation projects with New Zealand to jointly build a South Pacific featuring openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation.

Mahuta said, PICs are facing severe challenges such as coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, recovering economies and addressing climate change. New Zealand and China should support PICs in overcoming the above challenges through bilateral and multilateral platforms. New Zealand believes that the GDI and the GSI are of strategic significance, and stands ready to make joint efforts with China on global development and security.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.