On 28 November, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand held a reception and concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand. Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand HE Wang Xiaolong, Foreign Minister of New Zealand Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon Greg O'Connor, Deputy Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee of Parliament Hon Gerry Brownlee, and nearly 300 other guests, including Government officials, prominent figures from academia, business circles, civil societies, media, and local Chinese communities, and members of the diplomatic corps, attended the event.
Ambassador Wang Xiaolong delivered a speech at the reception, themed Cherishing Historical Achievements, and Striving Hand in Hand for A Brighter Future of China-New Zealand Relations. In his speech, Amb Wang pointed out that over the past 50 years, the bilateral relations have gone through an extraordinary journey and accumulated rich assets as a result of unremitting efforts on both sides across generations. The bilateral relationship is no less than exemplary of mutually beneficial cooperation between countries different in social system, stage of development, and size of economy. The Chinese side would like to pay tribute to friends from all walks of life for their longstanding efforts in supporting and promoting the relations over the past 50 years.
Ambassador Wang stated that the Communist Party of China successfully held its 20th National Congress a month ago. The Congress laid out the overarching blueprint for China’s development for China’s development in the next 5 years and beyond, and will bring more, bigger, and better opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and common development for China and other countries in the world, including New Zealand.
Ambassador Wang stressed that China always regards New Zealand as an important comprehensive strategic partner. Looking ahead to the next 50 years of China-New Zealand relations, the two sides should implement the consensus reached by our leaders, comply with the aspirations of our two peoples, properly manage and transcend differences, facilitate dialogues and exchanges of all levels, promote friendship, and jointly uphold multilateralism. Based on this, the two sides can give increasing substance to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bring the relationship to new heights, better benefit two peoples, and together make greater contributions to the world.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Hon Nanaia Mahuta spoke highly of the achievements that the two sides have made over the past 50 years. According to Hon Mahuta, a Golden 50th anniversary is both notable; and a moment that can truly shine brightly in our shared history. Both countries – with our distinct histories, cultures, and world views – have built the relationship we enjoy today. Generations of families and cultural connections have bridged the two countries. The strength of our bilateral relationship was celebrated when our leaders, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and President Xi Jinping, met face to face for the first time since 2019 in the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit earlier this month.
Hon Mahuta said that both countries have shared interests in working together to protect the environment and mitigate the existential threat of climate change. Our trade and economic relationship makes a significant contribution to the well-being of our people, and has proved to be resilient despite COVID challenges. The willingness of the two sides to engage and have regard for one another is not simply a matter of economic convenience, competition or prowess. Relationships are not static. The New Zealand-China relationship has evolved significantly over the past half century, and no doubt will continue to do so. There are – and will be - things on which we do not agree. Managing those differences will not always be easy but as a Government we will continue to work hard to address these – consistently and predictably.
Prior to the reception, the Embassy also organized a special concert composed of three chapters - traditional instruments, chamber music, and an ensemble. Musicians from China and New Zealand jointly performed popular songs of the two countries through traditional Chinese, Māori, and Western instruments. A Māori masterpiece He Puna Waiora began the concert. The superb performance of Dance of Yi People, Give Me a Rose, Liu Yang River, Going to the West Gate, and Pokarekare Ana demonstrated a perfect combination of Eastern and Western musical arts. Finally, the concert ended with the classic melody of My Country and the warm applause of the guests.
