Wang Yi Meets with New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta

On August 4, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta on the sidelines of the series of foreign ministers' meetings on East Asia cooperation in Phnom Penh.

Wang Yi said since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, China-New Zealand relations have progressed in a sound and stable manner, making great achievements and delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the two sides have approached and advanced bilateral relationship from a long-term and strategic perspective, making sure it stands at the forefront of China’s relations with developed countries. History and facts have proven that mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are the important experience in the development of China-New Zealand relations and the "golden rule" for engagement between countries with different histories, cultures, social systems, and development paths. China appreciates New Zealand pursuing a practical policy toward China, regards New Zealand as a partner for common development and prosperity, and is ready to work with New Zealand to uphold the principles of respecting each other's national sovereignty, territorial integrity, core interests and major concerns, and advance China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership to yield more fruits.

Wang Yi elaborated on China's solemn position on the Taiwan question, and emphasized that it is the U.S. side that stoked provocation, undermined peace, and created crises in the first place. China's response is reasonable and legitimate, and China will resolutely defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold international law, and safeguard regional peace and stability.

Mahuta said New Zealand and China are comprehensive strategic partners with mature bilateral ties and strong economic as well as people-to-people and cultural bonds. New Zealand is willing to work with China to continue to strengthen the effective cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, agriculture, education, science and technology, climate change, and environmental protection, and welcomes the increase of direct flight frequency between the two sides to facilitate personnel exchanges. New Zealand adheres to the one-China policy, respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stands for upholding the basic norms governing international relations, and working jointly to address global challenges and safeguard regional peace and stability.

Mahuta said, New Zealand has noticed that China's exchanges with South Pacific Island countries are nothing new, and hopes that China will continue to strengthen cooperation with island countries through Pacific Islands Forum. New Zealand and China have different views on some issues, but both sides can maintain candid communication.

Wang Yi said, China has always conducted friendly dialogue and communication with other countries on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect. China is willing to work with New Zealand to enhance mutual trust, and hopes and believes that New Zealand can view China and its development in an objective and positive light, and handle bilateral relations in a rational and wise manner.

Wang Yi said the exchanges between China and South Pacific Island countries have lasted for half a century, with bilateral cooperation covering a wide range of fields. We have always respected the sovereignty and needs of the island countries and adhered to the principle of "island countries-led and island countries-owned". We stand for open regionalism, oppose zero-sum games, and uphold win-win cooperation, and are ready to work with New Zealand and other countries to carry out tripartite or multiparty cooperation in island countries, so as to achieve complementary advantages and form synergy.

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