Wang Yi on visit to New Zealand to boost ties
Foreign Minister Wang Yi kicked off his first trip to New Zealand and Australia in seven years by holding talks with his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters in Wellington on Monday. It was Wang's first engagement in his official visit to New Zealand. Before the meeting, Wang said China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with New Zealand on international and regional issues. “We will work together to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world,” he said. The foreign minister is set to meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon later on Monday. China is New Zealand’s largest trade partner, and the visit is expected to pave the way for stronger bilateral ties.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Wang will visit Australia after his trip to New Zealand. He's due to hold talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and a roundtable with business leaders in Canberra. According to Reuters, former Australian prime minister Paul Keating said he would meet Wang during his visit. In a statement, Keating, who served as prime minister from 1991 to 1996, called Wang's visit to Australia a "good development", and said he's pleased to have the opportunity to discuss international matters with him. Ties between Beijing and Canberra have improved in recent years as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government sought to ease tensions over issues such as trade. But relations were dealt a blow over a suspended death sentence handed to writer Yang Hengjun by a Beijing court last month, an issue likely to be raised by Wong in her meeting with Wang. (Agencies)