On 5 November, Ambassador Zhao Xing met with Mr Grahame Morton, Deputy Secretary of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Zhao Xing thanked the New Zealand side for its support and assistance provided for the assumption of his duties. He noted that China–New Zealand relations have long maintained positive momentum, with frequent friendly exchanges between the two countries and their peoples across a wide range of fields. China looks forward to strengthening bilateral and multilateral coordination with New Zealand and making a positive contribution to the development of both countries, the region and the wider world. Ambassador Zhao also briefed Mr Morton on the essence and outcomes of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Mr Morton thanked Ambassador Zhao for the briefing and warmly welcomed him to his new post. He said that New Zealand highly values its relationship with China and stands ready to further enhance exchanges at all levels and deepen all-round cooperation, including in trade and people-to-people links. He also expressed New Zealand's readiness to work hand in hand with China to address regional and global challenges and jointly promote the steady and sustained growth of bilateral relations.