On June 13, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with H.E. Jonathan Austin, New Zealand Ambassador to China, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The two sides exchanged views on issues including China-New Zealand relations and people-to-people exchanges.
President Yang noted that, since China and New Zealand established diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, bilateral relations have enjoyed sound and steady development, marked by deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in areas of economy and trade, and cultural exchanges, etc. This year marks the beginning of the second decade of the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The CPAFFC stands ready to work with friends from all sectors in New Zealand to continue building bridges for exchange and cooperation in subnational engagement, youth, and culture, further enhancing mutual understanding and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.
Ambassador Jonathan Austin emphasized that in today's global context, the importance of people-to-people ties and exchanges is more prominent than ever. He affirmed that both he and the New Zealand Embassy to China are willing to working closely with the Chinese side to further strengthen bilateral relations and support subnational and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Prior to the meeting, Ambassador Austin visited the former residence of Rewi Alley, a celebrated New Zealander and long-time friend of China, and viewed a special exhibition highlighting his life and legacy.
Sun Tao, Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Erin Duncan, Political Counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy to China, were present at the meeting.
