Wellington: Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Wellington on Thursday to begin a visit to New Zealand and Australia, trade-related deals amid geopolitical tensions.
Li, second in China’s political hierarchy after President Xi Jinping, has been the highest-ranking official in both countries since 2017.
As he left Wellington Airport in the New Zealand capital, Lee was greeted by a crowd of supporters who roared, cheered and waved red and gold flags.
The visit begins in the evening with an official reception at the magnificent Government House before a formal dinner at the Hall of Residence.
During six days, Li will visit five different cities, meet with two prime ministers, hold talks with several business leaders and run trade China Panda Diplomacy.
Since Li’s previous tour Down Under, China’s relationship with the two hosts has changed dramatically.
New Zealand, long seen as one of China’s closest partners in the region, has been bolder in its criticism of Beijing’s role in the South Pacific.
