On September 21, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand held a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, at which Ambassador Wang Xiaolong also bade farewell to New Zealand friends at the end of his tenure.
More than 400 guests attended, including Speaker Gerry Brownlee, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Minister for Resources Shane Jones, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, and Minister for Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds, as well as Members of Parliament, former political figures, friends from various sectors, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Chinese community, Chinese enterprises, and Chinese students in New Zealand.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wang reviewed the remarkable achievements the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China over the 77 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China. He stressed that, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries and through the concerted efforts of people from all walks of life, China–New Zealand relations have maintained sound and steady momentum, remaining at the forefront of China's relations with developed countries. Guided by the principles of mutual respect, accommodation, cooperation, and mutual benefit, China stands ready to work with New Zealand to further enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation across all fields, and elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights, bringing greater benefits to both countries and their peoples.
Speaking on behalf of New Zealand, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Grahame Morton noted that China is one of New Zealand's most consequential partners, and that bilateral exchanges and cooperation across various fields have continued to deepen, consistently benefiting the peoples of both nations. He commended Ambassador Wang Xiaolong's contributions to advancing bilateral relations and expressed New Zealand's readiness to mark next year the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the centenary of Rewi Alley's arrival in China as opportunities to further strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding, jointly writing a new chapter in China–New Zealand relations.
Videos were also screened introducing China's Four Global Initiatives, its bid for the BBNJ Secretariat, and the 15th Five-Year Plan. Guests enjoyed cultural performances and paused to admire the Rewi Alley photo exhibition and a display of Chinese calligraphy and painting. The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm, lively, and cordial.