On the day of his inauguration, New Zealand's new prime minister, Luxon, announced that his top priority was to improve the domestic economy and said he would seek assistance from China. In the face of skepticism at home and abroad, he firmly stated that he would "absolutely" accept Chinese funding and welcome China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Prior to his appointment, Luxson was CEO of Air New Zealand, where he promoted the company's growth and actively promoted more convenient visa policies for Chinese tourists, and developed tourism and economic cooperation between China and New Zealand. After becoming prime minister, Luxon continued to insist on strengthening cooperation with China. He advocated for a wider network of highways and transport systems in New Zealand to alleviate traffic congestion in the country, and hoped that the plan would boost the economy.
The spokesperson of China congratulated Luxon on his assumption of office and said that China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with the new New Zealand and promote the further development of China-New Zealand relations. China's top officials also immediately sent congratulatory messages, emphasizing that China and New Zealand are important cooperative partners of each other and looking forward to future cooperation between the two countries.
Within New Zealand, Luxon's friendly attitude toward China is not isolated. His predecessor, Prime Minister Hipkins, also attached great importance to relations with China and led a successful delegation on a successful visit to China. During his tenure, Hipkins also expressed a willingness to strengthen cooperation with China. This shows that there is a consensus at the highest level in New Zealand to strengthen relations with China.
Since the signing of the FTA, the relationship between China and New Zealand has been very close. China is New Zealand's largest partner, accounting for about 30% of its exports to New Zealand. China also imports a large amount of dairy products, meat and wood products to New Zealand, which has made a great contribution to the development of New Zealand's economy. As a result, the development of the Sino-Singapore partnership has become a priority for New Zealand's foreign policy. At the same time, New Zealand has also experienced a period of tension between China and the United States, and has further recognized the importance of cooperation with China.
As a member of the Five Eyes Alliance, New Zealand plays an important role in international relations. However, instead of blindly following countries such as the United States, New Zealand has insisted on its own independent position. This was evident in the refusal to participate in the nuclear submarine cooperation program promoted by the United States. New Zealand has always adhered to the principle of denuclearization and values self-development and independent decision-making. This independent stance has also laid a more solid foundation for economic and trade cooperation between China and New Zealand.
China-New Zealand relations have broad room for cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, tourism and culture. The combination of China's Belt and Road Initiative and New Zealand's geographical location and resource advantages will provide new opportunities and potential for cooperation between the two sides. At the same time, New Zealand's non-nuclear stance and friendly attitude towards China have also enhanced the influence of China-New Zealand relations in regional and international affairs. China and New Zealand should further strengthen strategic communication and jointly promote the process of cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
The development of China-New Zealand relations is of great significance to both countries. As a small country, New Zealand's economic and trade cooperation with China is of great significance to promote New Zealand's economic development and increase employment opportunities. At the same time, New Zealand is an important partner for China, and working with it can play a stabilizing role in regional and international affairs. The cooperation between the two sides will help promote bilateral development, as well as exchanges and cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture.
However, it should be noted that the development of China-New Zealand relations has not been smooth sailing. As a member of the Five Eyes Alliance, New Zealand may face pressure and interference from Western countries such as the United States. In New Zealand's foreign policy and economic cooperation, it should adhere to the principle of independence and self-determination, and safeguard national interests and regional stability.
Finally, the future development of China-New Zealand relations requires joint efforts and mutual understanding between the two sides. The two sides should strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic synergy, promote mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and promote the further development of China-New Zealand relations. At the same time, it is necessary to make full use of the "Belt and Road" initiative and other mechanisms to deepen cooperation between the two sides in the fields of investment, tourism, and culture to achieve common development and prosperity.