Xi Jinping praises ‘great importance’ of China-New Zealand relations

Amid rising global tensions, Chinese leader tells PM, Chris Hipkins, his visit to Beijing is meaningful

Xi Jinping has praised the “great importance” of China’s relationship with its “friend and partner” New Zealand, as Chris Hipkins visits Beijing to promote trade amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Speaking after the two leaders met in the capital on Tuesday evening, Xi told reporters through an interpreter: “I myself [am] attaching great importance to our relations with New Zealand,” and “China always views New Zealand as a friend and a partner”.