Chinese Premier Li Qiang is in New Zealand for a three-day trip to strengthen business and trade ties between the two countries.
Reuters reported that the visit signaled a warming of ties between the Pacific nations and the region's biggest trading partner.
NZ-China Trade Ties
On Thursday (June 13), Li and New Zealand Prime Minister Christpher Luxon signed agreements on trade and climate change. The latter sought to balance human rights and the West's security concerns with Beijing's lucrative trade opportunities.
The country has toughened its stance against China after hackers allegedly operating from China hacked the parliament in Wellington.
Luxon said in a statement that he raised several issues with Li which New Zealanders see as important, adding that his country would continue to "engage predictably and consistently" with China.
Li's Farm Visit
In a separate Reuters report, Li visited the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research on Friday (June 14). The government facility promotes the country's farming, food, and beverage industries.
The institute's CEO, Mark Piper, who gave Li a tour of the facility, said that the Chinese official was "really engaged" and asked a lot of questions during the tour.
Li would also meet with more business leaders at a dinner in Auckland Friday evening.
The Associated Press added that Li would also visit Australia and Malaysia this week in an effort by Beijing to warm its relations with both countries.
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