China, New Zealand to expand services, new energy cooperation: premier

China is ready to work with New Zealand to tap the potential of trade in services and expand cooperation in sectors such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics and wind power, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday during a phone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

China-New Zealand relations have maintained steady and sound momentum, with new progress made in cooperation across various fields, Li said.

Meanwhile, the international situation remains complex and evolving, with unilateralism and protectionism continuing to weigh on the global economy, he said, adding that calls from the international community to safeguard the multilateral system and strengthen openness and cooperation are growing louder.

As supporters and practitioners of multilateralism and free trade, China and New Zealand should strengthen communication and coordination, Li said.

Noting that the two countries will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, Li said China stands ready to work with New Zealand to carry forward their traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, injecting fresh impetus into the stability, development and prosperity in both countries, the region and the world.

Li said China is willing to work with New Zealand to remain partners that respect each other and pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

He called on both sides to continue to expand the scale and improve the quality of bilateral trade in goods, tap the potential of trade in services and expand cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics and wind power to deliver more tangible results.

The premier expressed hope that the two sides will accelerate negotiations on a negative list for trade in services under the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and achieve substantive progress at an early date.

The two countries should facilitate people-to-people exchanges and deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, young people and sub-national entities to strengthen the foundation of friendship between their peoples, Li said.

As members of the Asia-Pacific family, China and New Zealand should also strengthen cooperation within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework and actively advance the building of an Asia-Pacific community, he added.

For his part, Luxon said New Zealand-China relations are developing steadily, with practical cooperation advancing across various fields and benefiting the peoples of both countries.

New Zealand attaches great importance to its relationship with China and remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, he said.