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China-New Zealand relations
ChinaDiplomacy

China, New Zealand have ‘no conflict of interest’, Xi Jinping tells Christopher Luxon

New Zealand leader’s China trip focuses on trade and tourism, but differences over Pacific island ties cast a shadow

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ahead of their meeting in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua via AP
Orange Wangin BeijingandAlyssa Chenin Hong Kong
China has “no fundamental conflict of interest” with New Zealand, President Xi Jinping told New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday while calling for the constructive management of differences.

“Both sides should adhere to mutual respect, seek common ground while acknowledging differences, and correctly view and manage their differences and disagreements,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Just ahead of Luxon’s arrival in the Chinese capital late on Thursday, Wellington announced that it was suspending funding to the Cook Islands over the Pacific archipelago’s deepening ties with Beijing.

“China and New Zealand have no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest,” Xi told Luxon, adding that cooperation should be accorded “a more prominent position” in the relationship.

He also called for the two countries to leverage their complementary strengths to deepen trade and investment ties.

“We should also explore potential for collaboration in technological innovation, climate change and infrastructure development,” Xi said.

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