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China calls for tighter trade ties with New Zealand
- The two countries’ top diplomats meet in Beijing to talk economic partnerships
- Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta also raises concerns about rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong
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China’s top diplomat has called for stronger economic ties and supply chains with New Zealand.
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Politburo member Wang Yi delivered the message in a meeting with New Zealand on Friday.
“The two sides should make good use of the upgraded version of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to promote the upgrading of economic and trade cooperation,” the Chinese foreign ministry quoted Wang as saying.
The two nations should “jointly create a new growth engine, jointly maintain a stable and smooth production and supply chain, and maintain a fair and open trade and investment environment”.
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Despite Asia-Pacific tensions, especially between Beijing and Canberra, China and New Zealand ratified an upgrade of their trade deal last year, an agreement that is believed to be the strongest of all free-trade deals China has signed.
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