New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta is set to visit her Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang, in Beijing, marking the first trip by a New Zealand minister to China in four years. This is an important step for the two countries to re-establish in-person ties and deepen their complex and wide-ranging relationship that spans cultural, educational, sporting links, and trade. China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with New Zealand exporters relying on China to buy milk products and other agricultural goods.
During her two-day visit, Mahuta is planning to raise New Zealand’s concerns about human rights and security, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and to discuss issues the two countries cooperate on, including trade and the environment. Mahuta will also meet with business leaders and hold a breakfast roundtable with female leaders, showcasing the importance of female leadership in diplomacy.
The visit comes at an awkward time, with Chinese President Xi Jinping planning to visit Moscow and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins emphasizing New Zealand’s opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Hipkins recognized the importance of re-establishing ties with China, especially after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions. The visit is a positive step towards strengthening the political relationship between New Zealand and China and fostering greater communication and cooperation between the two countries.
