China Premier Li to visit New Zealand 'this week says Prime Minister Chris Luxon

Source: The New Indian Express
Author: Agence France-Presse

WELLINGTON: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand this week,said New Zeland Prime Minister Chris Luxon on Monday,a rare visit expected to focus on bolstering trade while setting aside security concerns.

Li will be the first Chinese premier to visit New Zealand since 2017, embarking on a trip that is widely tipped to also take him to Australia.

China is New Zealand's largest export destination, and Wellington has been one of Beijing's closest partners among Western democracies.

But relations have become strained in recent years as China has looked to expand its military and diplomatic reach across the Pacific.

"I look forward to warmly welcoming Premier Li in New Zealand. The premier's visit is a valuable opportunity for exchanges on areas of cooperation between New Zealand and China, Luxon said in a statement."