China strengthens ties with New Zealand

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Zealand on Monday on a rare visit to the Pacific nation, where he stressed the need to work with ” friends “China in the International Context” troubled Wang Yi's presence in New Zealand marks the start of a diplomatic tour that will also take him to neighbouring Australia, his first visit to both countries since 2017.

The diplomat is expected to discuss trade issues as China seeks solutions to its slowing economic growth. Speaking in Wellington, ahead of a meeting with his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters, Wang Yi made clear that his visit was an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. These are being tested by Beijing’s increasingly aggressive stance toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

South Sea Tensions: China Flexes Muscles, Says It Will 'Defend' Rights in Region

” In the face of the current turbulent international situation, we aim to strengthen strategic communication with our New Zealand friends on common international and regional issues. Wang Yi said.

” We will work together to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world. He added before a closed-door meeting with Winston Peters.

Planned visit to Australia..

New Zealand, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, an alliance of US, Canadian, British and Australian intelligence agencies, has been criticised for being soft on China, preferring to put its trade relations ahead of its allies' security concerns.

China is New Zealand's largest trading partner, with products such as meat, wine, milk and timber popular with the Chinese. Our relationship developed smoothly and in a good way. “Wang Yi appreciated.

The latter is scheduled to meet Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra later this week. I think Wang Yi's visit is good. “Last Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced to the press, referring to the Great progress » Regarding the lifting of trade barriers.

…after several years of deep disagreements

China and Australia have recently settled several trade disputes, including steep tariffs and barriers to key Australian exports. Relations between Beijing and Canberra have been frosty for years. In 2018, the Australian government banned Chinese telecoms giant Huawei from any involvement in the country’s 5G network, and in 2020 called for an international investigation into the origins of Covid-19.

Australia to boost economic ties with ASEAN to reduce dependence on China

In response, China imposed high tariffs on key Australian exports such as barley, beef and wine and halted coal imports. Relations improved after Australia elected a centre-left government in 2022, but deep differences remain over human rights and China’s growing diplomatic and military influence in the Pacific.

Beijing has lifted steep tariffs on barley, lifted a ban on timber imports and resumed coal purchases. However, the two countries remain at odds over human rights and Beijing’s growing ambitions in the Pacific.

In early March, Australia strengthened its economic ties with ASEAN to reduce its dependence on China. Canberra then said it wanted to increase its investment in the region by allocating $1.3 billion. The stated aim is to encourage business activity in a region with growing economic power.

As a reminder, in 2022, Australia’s bilateral trade with ASEAN members exceeded $178 billion. More than Australia’s trade with Japan or the United States. However, China remains Australia’s largest trading partner. The latter still sends 30% of its exports there today.

(With AFP)