On February 18th, 2018, Ambassador Wu Xi was invited to attend the annual reception hosted by the board of the New Zealand China Council at Te Papa,where she delivered a speech. Attendees included the Council Chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister the Rt Hon Sir Don Mckinnon, Council Executive board members, MFAT Deputy Secretary for Americas and Asia Ben King, a number of MPs, government officials and representatives from the business and academic community.
In her speech, Ambassador Wu extended her New Year greetings to the guests and spoke highly of the positive contributions that the New China Council has made to bilateral relations. She noted that over the past four decades, enormous strides have been made in China-New Zealand relations. We have seen continued strengthening of trade, investment and people-to-people links. We have enjoyed an impressive and proud list of 'firsts' in China's relations with developed countries. All of these demonstrate the underlying significance and far-reaching implications of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. Today, the international political and economic landscape is undergoing profound and complex changes. The backlash against globalization, emerging unilateralism and resurgent protectionism all pose challenges to the existing international order and system. As China and New Zealand are facing similar challenges, there is a need for us to work together to further advance practical cooperation.
Ambassador Wu noted that, at present, China-New Zealand relations are at a critical stage. The two sides need a shared vision of the journey ahead and a clear sense of the direction for the progress of bilateral relations. China would like to expand cooperation with New Zealand on an equal basis of mutual respect and benefits. The two sides need to handle their differences properly and strive to build a resilient relationship.
Chairman Sir Don McKinnon and MFAT Deputy Secretary for Americas and Asia Ben King also delivered speeches at the event.