China's Xi meets New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon in Beijing

China's Xi meets New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon in Beijing

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on June 19, 2025, as part of his three-day visit to China. This is Luxon's first official trip to China since taking office in November 2023. The meeting comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the South Pacific, where China's influence has been growing [1].

Luxon's visit to China has been marked by a focus on trade and commercial agreements. In Shanghai, he oversaw the signing of commercial deals valued at NZ$871 million ($520 million) between New Zealand and Chinese companies [2]. The visit also saw Luxon promoting New Zealand as a destination for Chinese tourists and students, aiming to boost the number of Chinese students returning to New Zealand post-pandemic [1].

The meeting with President Xi is expected to cover a range of topics, including trade and security. Luxon has previously called for calm and negotiation diplomacy in the face of geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has seen the US and China back opposing sides [1].

Luxon's visit to China also coincides with revelations that New Zealand had halted nearly NZ$20 million of funding for the Cook Islands after the Cook Islands signed agreements with China earlier this year. The government's dispute is primarily with the Cook Islands for failing to consult New Zealand, but it speaks to a broader disagreement with China over its increasing assertiveness in the Pacific [1].

References:
[1] https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/564668/geopolitics-takes-centre-stage-as-luxon-prepares-for-president-xi-jinping-meeting
[2] https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/New-Zealand-PM-to-talk-trade-and-security-with-Xi-in-first-visit-to-China