Christopher Luxon urged to widen focus of China visit beyond trade
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Lima, Peru, in November 2024.
Photo:
Pool / Chris Skelton
Community leaders recognise the importance of trade in New Zealand-China relations but are also calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to push for closer people-to-people ties on his upcoming whirlwind visit to China.
What's more, leaders of New Zealand's Chinese community have called on Luxon and officials in China to openly discuss difficult topics such as human rights and regional security in a transparent manner to improve wider understanding on the issues.
Luxon is scheduled to meet China's top officials on his three-day trip to Shanghai and Beijing, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
The 18-20 June visit would focus on expanding trade with China, New Zealand's largest trading partner, as well as strengthening education and tourism links, Luxon said.
New Zealand's comprehensive bilateral relationship with China as well as key regional and global issues would also be on the agenda, he said.
Ahead of Luxon's visit, the government announced Sunday that Chinese nationals travelling from Australia with a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa could visit New Zealand visa-free for up to three months.
Lisa Li
Photo:
Supplied
Lisa Li, managing director of China Travel Service New Zealand, said the new visa waiver announcement was "exciting".
Li said tourism from China had been growing but was still far short of the 400,000-plus Chinese visitors that were arriving each year before the Covid pandemic.
"I think it's good timing before the prime minister's visit and absolutely will stir up public attention towards New Zealand," Li said.
"That's what we have been ask for a long time - how we can simplify our visa policy. ... I think this is a very typical [example of doing] more for less."
As part of the executive board for the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, Li said Luxon's visit should benefit the country's exporters.
"I believe the events [around the prime minister's visit] will be around our food and beverage exports, so our premium New Zealand produce will attract a lot of attention," she said.
Li would like to see more high-level visits from both countries, as well as more people-to-people exchanges.
David Tai
Photo:
Supplied
David Tai, chairman of the Auckland Chinese Community Centre, said New Zealand could serve as a food basket for China.
"We do farm very well and efficiently," Tai said. "It's a matter of increasing the volume, and China does have the volume needed.
"It's great to have Chinese students here. I believe that will hopefully improve understanding between the two countries through education."
Tai believed there should be some discussion on how to improve New Zealand-China ties.
"Good relations between New Zealand and China are important, particularly in the current environment of uncertainty and chaos," Tai said, pointing to recent trade tensions caused by such things as US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
"We need to make more friends when there is more uncertainty."
Paul Chin
Photo:
Supplied
Paul Chin, national president of the New Zealand Chinese Association, saw value in the cultural exchange elements of Luxon's visit.
"I think talking about that with the kapa haka delegation accompanying the prime minister brings strengthened integration and mutual respect," Chin said.
Chin hoped the prime minister could also discuss science and technology, climate cooperation, marine science and AI governance with his Chinese counterparts.
It was important for leaders from both sides to refrain from shying away from controversial issues such as human rights and regional stability, Chin said.
"We've heard about the Cook Islands' arrangement, and I think if we can see some talks around supporting sustainable development, that'll be great," he said.
"I think there's always a discussion on a balanced stance on human rights. ... We always support strong engagement."
Chin said it was important for leaders to discuss balancing economic ties with regional security concerns.
He stressed it was important for New Zealand to have an independent foreign policy.
Luxon was due to visit Europe after his trip to China, during which he would participate in the NATO summit and hold one-on-one talks with several NATO leaders.
"We've heard about New Zealand's participation in NATO in discussions around AUKUS," Chin said. "We would like to see that framed constructively ... and try to avoid alienating either partner.
"I think the more people talk about things, the more they can bring things out in the open rather than not talking about it because then it starts bringing suspicion. If you can be open and transparent, that's always good."
Auckland Chinese community leader Richard Leung said Luxon's visit would be an opportunity to strengthen trust, trade and community ties.
"These trips are not just about trade, they're about building trust, cultural understanding and a balanced diplomatic relationship that benefits everyday New Zealanders, including our Chinese community," he said.
Leung encouraged Luxon to lead with confidence and care.
"This visit is a chance to show that small countries like ours can be strong, principled and constructive on the world stage," Leung said.
"A respectful, forward-looking relationship with China, done the right way, benefits everyone."
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