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China, New Zealand should be ‘partners, not adversaries’, Xi Jinping tells visiting prime minister
- Chinese president says both countries should improve the environment for business and investment as he welcomes New Zealand leader to Beijing
- Chris Hipkins, who is leading a trade delegation, tells of ‘warm and constructive’ discussion focused on economic relationship
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has told visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins that their countries should see each other as partners, not adversaries, adding that Beijing stands ready to promote a stable comprehensive strategic partnership.
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Hipkins, leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, is on a six-day visit to China – his first since being sworn into office in January.
He is travelling with a 29-strong trade delegation that includes some of New Zealand’s biggest companies, including gaming app developer PikPok and fitness workout designer Les Mills International.
Meeting Hipkins in Beijing on Tuesday, Xi said relations between the two countries had “long led the way in China’s relations with developed countries”.
Both sides should strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, and continue to see each other as “partners, not adversaries, and as opportunities, not threats”.
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“[We need to] respect each other, treat each other as equals, be open and accommodating, be harmonious but different,” Xi said, adding both countries should provide a better environment for business and investment.
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