On November 27, 2023, HE Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, sent a congratulatory message to Rt Hon Winston Peters on his inauguration as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. 

In the message, Wang extends his warmest congratulations to Rt Hon Winston Peters. 

Wang points out that over the past 50-plus years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-New Zealand relations have long spearheaded China’s relations with developed countries, creating many “firsts” along the way. Pragmatic cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people in both countries.  

Recalling his previous meetings and phone conversations with Rt Hon Winston Peters, Wang is deeply impressed by the importance Rt Hon Winston Peters has attached and the long-term support he has rendered to the development of China-New Zealand relations. 

Wang says the Chinese side values its relations with New Zealand and he looks forward to continuing close communications with Rt Hon Winston Peters to enhance political mutual trust and promote mutually beneficial cooperation, thus further growing the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

Wang welcomes Rt Hon Winston Peters to visit China again at a mutually-convenient time.