On January 12, Minister-Counselor Xie Yongjun was invited to a reception themed New Year, New Journey: Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China hosted by NZ Wellington Association for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China. More than 50 people, including members of the Association and representatives of local Chinese community participated in the reception.

On behalf of Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, Minister-Counselor Xie Yongjun acknowledged the Association for its efforts over the past year in uniting overseas Chinese, opposing "Taiwan independence" and promoting peaceful reunification of China, and advancing China-New Zealand friendship. Xie stated that promoting reunification of China is the righteous cause in line with the tide of history. The Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and New Zealand clearly states, "The Chinese Government reaffirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China and that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China. The New Zealand Government acknowledges this position of the Chinese Government. The New Zealand Government recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China." Achieving China's complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It also serves as an indispensable requirement for maintaining the political and legal foundation of China-New Zealand relations, and an integral part of upholding international law and the basic norms of international relations. Xie stated that the reunification of China, a trend of the times, is unstoppable. Xie encouraged the Association and the overseas Chinese community in New Zealand to make unremitting efforts to advance the noble cause of the reunification of China, realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and promote the friendship and cooperation between China and New Zealand.