PM meets Chinese premier: Visa-free access to China signalled

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says China “raised their concerns” about the AUKUS security pact in his bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

However, speaking to media after the talks, Li said “it is natural” that the two countries “don’t always see eye to eye with each other on everything.”

“But such differences should not become a chasm that blocks exchanges and cooperation between us.

“Instead, it should be a driving for us to learn from each other and grow together.”

The Chinese second-in-command has completed the first day of his visit to New Zealand. Li’s visit marks the first visit from a high-ranking Chinese official in seven years.

The premier revealed China would expand its unilateral visa-free travel policy to New Zealanders, during a joint statement with Luxon.

“China is ready to discuss with New Zealand, to introduce more measures to facilitate two-way travel, and China has extended unilateral visa-free treatment to New Zealand.”

The policy, which currently applied to passport holders in 11 European countries and Malaysia, allowed people to make short trips to China without needing to apply for a visa.

The premier spoke to the media through a translator and did not take questions.

Li also signalled the global superpower was now interested in “actively participating in transport investment and infrastructure development in New Zealand”.

Luxon held his own press conference, speaking to reporters after the joint statement.

“I hope to be able to connect with President Xi in November at APEC, and then look to go to China myself early next year.”

The Prime Minister said he raised concerns with Li about cyber-attacks, foreign interference, and human rights.

“We discussed regional and global issues, including the South China Sea and also the Taiwan Strait,” Luxon said.

Earlier today, Li was greeted by both protesters and supporters, carrying banners and signs as his motorcade made its way to the InterContinental hotel. After his arrival, he received a ceremonial welcome, followed by bilateral talks.

Most of the crowd gathered at his hotel were in support of the premier’s arrival, and told 1News they were excited about his visit to New Zealand.

However, a smaller group of protesters also attended, saying they were concerned about live organ transplants in China and the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

Supporters holding Chinese flags could be seen attempting to position themselves to cover protester banners, which claimed “the torture and killing of innocent people continues in China today”.

Some received verbal warnings from police that if they did not stop pushing and shoving, arrests would be made.

Officers could be seen present at the gathering, attempting to corral the two groups.

NZ-China relationship at ‘critical juncture’

Li would also travel to Auckland as part of his New Zealand visit.

Events would focus on areas of cooperation such as innovative business, agri-tech, education, and people-to-people connections, a statement from Luxon’s office said.

The Prime Minister said he would discuss trade as part of his bilateral discussions with the premier. Luxon said he was confident trade with China would continue to grow, which would support the Government’s goal to double export value in the next decade.

“The premier’s visit is a valuable opportunity for exchanges on areas of cooperation between New Zealand and China,” he said.

“China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth almost $38 billion last year. From innovative agri-tech and high-quality food, to creative industries, and world class tourism and education, New Zealand has a lot to offer China.”

Li’s visit comes as NZ explores the possibility of joining Pillar Two of the US-led security pact AUKUS. At a recent speech, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said China and New Zealand’s relationship was at a “critical juncture”.