New Zealand and China still have ‘significant differences’, despite Wang Yi’s ‘charm offensive’ visit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit comes amid a tilt by New Zealand towards US and Australian defence policy, and concerns that Wellington could join Aukus

New Zealand has sent a clear message it will make its own decisions on its security, but also acknowledges China remains a very important partner, analyst notes

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New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters (right) shakes hands with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a bilateral meeting at Parliament in Wellington on Monday. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00am, 20 Mar 2024Updated: 8:13am, 20 Mar 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Zealand this week has been welcomed as a “charm offensive”, but observers note there has been no effort to disguise “significant differences” between Wellington and Beijing.

During a meeting on Monday with his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters at the start of a tour that will also include Australia, Wang said his side was willing to work with New Zealand to deepen trade and economic ties and address climate change.

The highest-ranking Chinese official to visit the country since 2017, Wang described China’s ties with New Zealand as “a force for stability” and called for the creation of better conditions for exchanges including education, tourism and youth programmes.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters in Wellington on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

Describing the meeting as respectful, convivial, and “very frank”, Peters also revealed that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon would travel to China in the coming months.

The ministers also discussed trade, business and security in the Pacific as well as “areas of difference” including human rights and the situation in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet, according to a statement issued by Peters after the meeting.

Wang’s visit came amid a tilt by the New Zealand government towards the United States and Australian defence policy, and the possibility that Wellington will join Pillar 2 of the Aukus defence pact.

Made up of Australia, the United Kingdom and the US, Aukus was established in September 2021 and has two pillars: the first to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia.