Overview

• Chris Luxon met Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss deepening trade and diplomatic cooperation between their governments.
• Xi Jinping referenced 50 years of ups and downs in bilateral relations while endorsing plans to advance economic ties.
• New Zealand cut aid to the Cook Islands over secretly negotiated defence pacts with China that Wellington says breached a consultation treaty.
• China’s foreign ministry insisted its engagement with the Cook Islands poses no threat to third parties.
• Luxon’s conservative government has pledged to double Kiwi exports within ten years with China accounting for more than 20 percent of sales, fueling debate over New Zealand’s strategic orientation.