New Zealand Prime Minister Seeks Closer Ties with China Despite Concerns

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to discuss increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
Hipkins visited China to boost economic cooperation, with China key to New Zealand's post-pandemic recovery in exports, tourism, and education.
New Zealand continues to defer to China due to deep trade ties, showing no efforts to diversify beyond China.
China sees New Zealand as its key ally in the Pacific, with New Zealand not complaining about China's undiplomatic behavior.
New Zealand's membership in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance is questioned due to the country's perceived pro-Beijing stance and vulnerability to Chinese influence.