Luxon is expected to discuss the economy with Premier Li. The pair are also expected to raise issues of contention. Video / Mark Mitchell
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has fronted a joint press conference with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, telling media it was natural if the two countries did not see “eye to eye” on everything.
And Luxon says he raised concerns with his Chinese counterpart about foreign interference here.
“We have no tolerancefor foreign interference from any country,” Luxon said.
The two leaders spoke to media at Government House in Wellington. Media were not permitted to ask questions during the press conference, though Luxon took questions separately shortly afterwards.
Luxon said he and Premier Li had discussed their countries’ trading partnership this afternoon.
The topics of conversation covered tourism, science and innovation, and the areas in which the two countries could collaborate – as well as issues on which the two countries had differing perspectives.
The pair witnessed the signing of “a number of important arrangements” between the two countries, covering trade, environment and economic issues, Luxon said.
Premier Li spoke of the two countries’ mutually beneficial cooperation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, flanked by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro during his official welcome at Government House in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Speaking through a translator, he said the two countries had mutual respect.
China was committed to working with New Zealand to “renew our longstanding friendship” to deliver more benefits for people.
He said New Zealand had been invited to be a guest of honour at an import and export expo in Shanghai later this year.
Premier Li said China had relaxed market access in agriculture, and would further ease market access in telecommunications and other sectors.
He said the pair agreed “people to people” exchanges between the countries needed to be deepened.
“China is ready to ... introduce more measures to facilitate two-way travel.”
Premier Li said China and New Zealand were firm supporters of multilateralism.
He said it was natural the two countries did not see “eye to eye” on everything.
‘We have no tolerance for foreign interference from any country’
Luxon then answered questions separately after the press conference.
On infrastructure, Luxon said any investor from any country needed to be compliant with our regulations.
Luxon said he wanted to address the infrastructure deficit in New Zealand - but was not looking at any specific country, such as China, to help do that.
He said the two countries had differences - and each of the leaders raised those differences with each other.
Aukus was discussed and China “raised their concerns”, he said.
Luxon said he would look to go to China himself next year.
Asked why he wasn’t taking questions alongside Premier Li, he said there was “protocol”.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Photo / AP/Lee Jin-man
“We’ve been pretty upfront about foreign interference ... we have no tolerance for foreign interference from any country.”
On the issue of cyber attack, with which China has denied involvement in the past, Luxon said this was one of the issues addressed today.
China had been a long-standing development partner for parts of the Pacific and Luxon said he reiterated the importance of the centrality of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
On China and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Luxon said the issue was raised - but it was not an issue for New Zealand to “lobby” for.
“Our principles are pretty clear,” he said, adding that there needed to be consensus among the group for anyone to join.
Asked if New Zealand supported China joining the agreement, Luxon did not answer directly - “that’s not something we pine on”, or have our own opinion on, he said.
Luxon said the meeting today was 50/50 about differences and issues of agreement.
