China New Zealand Photo:VCG

 
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China is ready to work with New Zealand to push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership to yield more fruits, and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta affirmed NZ's position adhering to the one-China principle and hoped China will continue strengthening cooperation with the island countries through the Pacific Islands Forum.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Mahuta on the sidelines of meetings of foreign ministers on East Asia cooperation.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand 50 years ago, the bilateral relations have developed in a sound and stable manner, bringing tangible benefits to the people from both sides, Wang said.

Wang elaborated China's solemn position on the Taiwan question, stressing that the US is the first to provoke, undermine peace and create crises. China's response is reasonable and legitimate, and China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold international law, and maintain regional peace and stability.

New Zealand has noticed that China's exchanges with South Pacific Island countries are nothing new, and it is hoped that China will continue to strengthen cooperation with the island countries through the Pacific Islands Forum, Mahuta said. New Zealand and China have different views on some issues, but both sides can maintain candid communication, Mahuta noted.

New Zealand continues to adhere to the one-China principle, respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stands for upholding the basic norms of international relations, jointly addressing global challenges, and maintaining regional peace and stability, Mahuta said.

At the annual China Business Summit in Auckland on Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a public speech that New Zealand has been firm and consistent in its commitment to the one-China policy. 

"We have a long history of engagement, and of beneficial interactions between our governments, our people, cultures and in commerce," Ardern said.

Mahuta also said New Zealand is willing to continue strengthening cooperation with China in various fields including economy and trade, agriculture, education, science and technology, climate change and environmental protection, and welcome both sides to increase the frequency of direct flights and expand people-to-people exchanges.

Global Times