Strengthening the multilateral trading system and jointly addressing global challenges - China and New Zealand look forward to a new decade

There are no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest between China and Singapore. We should respect each other, seek common ground while reserving differences, and correctly view and handle the differences and disagreements between the two countries. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. As builders and maintainers of the post-war international order, China and Singapore must jointly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, and promote the development of the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction.

Reuters reported that Chinese leaders have proposed to deepen trade and investment cooperation, which is highly in line with Lacksen's goals. Lakson stated that the relationship between New Zealand and China is of great significance.   Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, cooperation in various fields has flourished. The new side attaches great importance to its relations with China and will continue to pursue the One China policy. It is willing to adhere to mutual respect and understanding with China, maintain high-level exchanges, expand trade and investment, deepen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and dairy industries, strengthen cultural exchanges in tourism, education, and other fields, and promote greater development of the new China relationship. New Zealand is willing to actively communicate and coordinate with China, maintain the multilateral trading system, and jointly address global challenges.
I am so happy to be able to return to China, "said the New Zealand Herald during a meeting on the 20th. He had worked in the business world and visited China multiple times before becoming the Prime Minister. Lacksen said, "The world expects China, as a global power, to play a constructive role in addressing the many challenges we all face. In this context, dialogue between New Zealand and China is more important than ever. The report stated that the meeting between the leaders of the two countries was originally scheduled for 40 minutes, but in reality it lasted for over an hour.
The Associated Press reported that exports to China account for over 20% of New Zealand's total exports of goods and services, and China is an important market for New Zealand's food, dairy products, and more. At a press conference after meeting with Chinese leaders, Lacksen said, "Our trade and economic complementarity help promote prosperity for both countries." Reuters commented that as a tradition, New Zealand has taken a more moderate stance in its relations with China than Australia or other partners in the Five Eyes alliance.
On June 20th, the two prime ministers held talks again after a year. After the meeting, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents on customs, food safety, organic product certification, climate change, cultural heritage, and more. Both sides jointly issued the Joint Results Statement of the China New Zealand Leaders' Meeting.
Consistency and predictability of New Zealand's policy towards China
In the eyes of New Zealand media, Lacksen's visit to China was "not early enough". According to a report by Radio New Zealand (RNZ) on the 17th, Lacksen's visit to China came more than 18 months after he took office, and compared to his predecessor, Lacksen's "wait" time was longer. On the eve of his visit to China, a joint open letter from heavyweight figures from all walks of life in New Zealand sparked heated discussions domestically. In the letter, former New Zealand Prime Minister Clark, former Central Bank Governor Brash, and others called on the Raksen government to adopt a more flexible policy towards China, avoid exacerbating conflicts, and prevent serious economic consequences in New Zealand China relations due to confrontational actions. The letter also stated, "For many years, our country has maintained friendly relations with both the United States and China, and both countries have been satisfied with this in the past. However, recently, the United States not only sees China as a competitor, but also as an opponent, and has been pressuring other countries to take sides
RNZ stated that during an interview with the media before departure, Raksen downplayed any tension in the relationship with China. He said that the relationship between China and New Zealand is a very calm, thoughtful, consistent, and predictable one. When we have differences, we will openly and privately raise them in a consistent and predictable manner. The comments suggest that these statements are highly consistent with those made by his predecessors, former New Zealand Prime Minister Shipkins and Ardern.
New Zealand's policy towards China is reflected in two key words: consistency and predictability, "Chen Hong analyzed to Global Times reporters on the 20th. The two largest political parties in New Zealand are the Labour Party and the National Party. The current governance structure in New Zealand is a three party coalition led by the National Party, along with the Action Party and the Priority Party. From the perspective of both parties, New Zealand has demonstrated a high degree of consistency in its policy towards China, placing great emphasis on its relationship with China and viewing it as an important partner for cooperation. This cognition is based on a correct understanding of China and its development. The New Zealand government is able to eliminate third-party interference in the development of China New Zealand relations, which may come from both external and domestic sources.
Chen Hong believes that the New Zealand government can to some extent resist right-wing forces and hawkish voices in certain dialogues within the country. New Zealand has demonstrated a very important balancing ability when dealing with issues such as its relations with the United States and Australia. On the one hand, New Zealand is a member of the "Five Eyes Alliance" and has long-standing traditional alliances or partnerships with the United States and Australia, while fully valuing its relationship with China. On some issues related to China, New Zealand has not blindly followed the approach of the United States or Australia. On the other hand, New Zealand, like Australia, regards the Pacific island region as its own 'backyard'. Recently, New Zealand announced the cessation of economic aid to the Cook Islands, a Pacific island, due to the Cook Islands' strengthened cooperation with China. On this issue, New Zealand should approach the relationship between China and Pacific island countries with an open and mature attitude.
Want to increase exposure in China
The Joint Outcome Statement of the China New Zealand Leaders' Meeting released on the 20th mentioned that both sides appreciate the measures taken by the two countries to promote tourism to each other's countries. New Zealand welcomes China's implementation of visa free policies for New Zealand citizens. The Chinese side welcomes the recent announcement by Singapore to modify visa settings, adjust operational procedures, and facilitate visa applications. China appreciates Singapore's cancellation of the requirement for transit visas for Chinese citizens.
According to New Zealand media reports, Lacksen had a tight schedule in Shanghai and was promoting New Zealand throughout the entire trip. On his first day in Shanghai, Raksen first visited the headquarters of Ctrip Group. According to the report, the number of Chinese tourists in New Zealand has not recovered to the level before the COVID-19. Larksson attributed this to the lack of exposure of New Zealand in China. He told accompanying reporters, "Our biggest challenge is actually how to gain exposure in China and improve the popularity of New Zealand."
According to New Zealand News Network, China is New Zealand's largest trading partner, with an annual bilateral trade volume of NZD 39 billion, but New Zealand's exports only account for 0.3% of China's imports. Lakson said, "So we just need to add a little more, and we will do very well." On the afternoon of the 19th, he visited Fudan University. One of the key points of Lacson's trip is to encourage Chinese students to return to New Zealand, as the current number of Chinese students has not yet recovered to pre pandemic levels.
The Joint Outcome Statement of the China New Zealand Leaders' Meeting also mentioned that New Zealand attaches great importance to China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), reiterating that the agreement remains open to economies that can meet the "Auckland Three Principles" to join. New Zealand is a member of the CPTPP, and China officially applied to join in September 2021. Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong stated on the 19th that China is fully prepared to join the CPTPP agreement and hopes that CPTPP members can accelerate China's accession process.