Subj : Chinese premier met by both supporters and protesters in Wellington
To   : All
From : News
Date : Thu Jun 13 2024 12:43 pm

By 1News Reporters
3 mins ago

Chinese premier Li Qiang has been greeted by a large crowd - some in support,
others protesting his arrival in the capital - ahead of his meeting with
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon later today.


The visit marks the highest-ranking visit from a Chinese official to New
Zealand in seven years. The premier is one of the highest-ranking political
leaders in China, second only to president Xi Jinping.


Li is expected to receive a ceremonial welcome, followed by bilateral talks
with the Prime Minister and an official dinner. He was greeted by both
protesters and supporters, carrying banners and signs as his motorcade made
its way to the InterContinental hotel.

Supporters holding Chinese flags could be seen attempting to position
themselves to cover protester banners, with a few appearing to receive
warnings from police.


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".

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