Christopher Luxon’s Push for Deeper Ties with China

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made it clear that his mission to China is not just about trade—it’s about forging deep and lasting relationships with one of the world’s most influential nations. During his recent State visit to China, Luxon was visibly impressed by the “sheer energy, the sheer pace and the sheer relentless drive for innovation” he observed across the country. These observations have fueled his ambition to strengthen New Zealand’s economic and diplomatic ties with China, a country that plays a pivotal role in global commerce and technology.

Luxon, known for his corporate background and transactional approach to business, has a clear vision: to transform New Zealand’s trade with China from a modest 0.3% to a more substantial 0.4%—a 25% increase in business volume. He believes that this small but significant leap could unlock vast opportunities for New Zealand companies. “If you can build a connection with them,” Luxon remarked at the China Business Summit, “it actually helps to be able to then pick up the phone when you need to pick up the phone and have those conversations.”

The Prime Minister has already laid the groundwork for these relationships. His first meeting with President Xi Jinping in 2014 was a turning point, and his recent visit to China reaffirmed the mutual respect and understanding between the two leaders. He also deepened his bond with Premier Li Qiang, a relationship that was further strengthened during a state dinner hosted for the New Zealand delegation. Luxon emphasized that these high-level connections are not just symbolic—they are essential for unlocking future collaboration.

Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, Luxon has tasked other Cabinet Ministers, such as Tourism Minister Louise Upston and Education Minister Erica Stanford, with building future growth in key sectors like tourism and international education. “I just want to see an all-of-government approach,” Luxon said, “where we actually have a good number of ministers cycling through China.”

New Zealand’s global reputation as a trusted and reliable partner is a key asset in these negotiations. Luxon believes that the nation’s strengths in innovation, research, and environmental sustainability make it an attractive partner for Chinese investors and businesses. “They want to invest here. They want to study here, because we’re trusted, because we’re reliable, because we’re safe,” he said.

While the government sets ambitious targets, such as doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports by 2034, Luxon acknowledges that it is ultimately the private sector that will drive this growth. “It’s business leaders that are actually creating that economic growth through their innovation, their ideas and through their execution,” he said. He expressed admiration for China’s ability to set long-term visions and break them down into manageable, actionable steps—a model he believes New Zealand can learn from.

As more ministers and business leaders prepare to travel to China, the focus remains on building trust, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable partnerships. The journey ahead is not without challenges, but for Luxon, the opportunity is clear: New Zealand has the potential to grow significantly in the global market, and China is a key player in that vision.