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Canada News.Net
12 hours ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
New Zealand aims to attract Chinese tourists and students
BEIJING/WELLINGTON: New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon commenced his visit to China on June 17, seeking to strengthen trade relations and attract tourists and students while also addressing sensitive topics related to security and defense in discussions with key leaders. This marks Luxon's first trip to China since taking office in November 2023. He began in Shanghai before traveling to Beijing, where, as his office announced, he is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on June 20. "It's all part of our strategy to boost our economy—creating more jobs, increasing wages, and ensuring more money is in your pocket," Luxon shared on Instagram as he departed. This visit occurs against the backdrop of rising Chinese influence in the Pacific, which has raised concerns among many Western countries, whose previous more substantial security presence is being tested. "There are numerous issues and challenges in the relationship," noted Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, who mentioned that both nations recognize their significant mutual interests. In February, New Zealand expressed worries when the Cook Islands, under its constitutional umbrella, signed several agreements with China regarding cooperation in areas such as economy, infrastructure, and seabed mining without prior consultation. Additionally, Young added that the presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and other Chinese activities in the Pacific present further obstacles to the relationship. Despite these challenges, trade and travel represent less contentious areas between the two nations. New Zealand was the first developed country to establish a free trade agreement with China in 2008, exporting significant amounts of dairy, meat, and wood products. The tourism and educational sectors are also substantial. According to the foreign ministry, New Zealand's exports to China in 2024 reached NZ$20.85 billion (US$12.64 billion), comprising NZ$17.75 billion in goods and NZ$3.1 billion in services. Chinese tourists make up the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, although their numbers remain almost 20 percent lower than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the weekend, New Zealand announced it would introduce a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with valid visas starting in November. This move reciprocates China's policy of offering visa-free entry to New Zealanders implemented last year. Luxon has referred to China as "an essential part" of his country's economic narrative and indicated that discussions during his four-day visit will touch on security and defense matters. He has noted the importance of engaging with China on significant issues, given the challenging global landscape. Previously, leaders from both countries met during November's APEC summit in Peru, and Li visited New Zealand in June 2022. Historically, Wellington has adopted a more accommodating stance towards China compared to Australia and its fellow members of the Five Eyes security alliance. However, in recent years, it has become more assertive on topics such as human rights, international law, and potential militarization in the Pacific. In June 2023, former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited Beijing ahead of Luxon's trip.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
NZ PM to discuss trade, tourism and security in China
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will use his China visit to foster trade ties and woo tourists and students, although thorny issues of security and defence will figure on his agenda in meetings with top leaders. Making his first visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2023, Luxon will arrive in the financial hub of Shanghai on Tuesday before heading to Beijing for meetings on Friday with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, his office said. "It's all part of our plan to grow our economy - creating more jobs, lifting wages, and putting more money in your back pocket," Luxon said in an Instagram post as he set off. The visit comes as Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific during the last few years has alarmed many Western nations whose traditionally stronger security foothold there is being challenged. "There are a whole bunch of issues and challenges in the relationship," said Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, while adding that both sides agree they have significant interests. New Zealand aired concerns in February, for instance, when the Cook Islands, within its constitutional ambit, signed pacts, such as one on co-operation on the economy, infrastructure and seabed mining, with China, without consulting it first. The presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and Chinese activity in the Pacific also pose challenges for the relationship, Young added. Trade and travel have proved less fractious areas for the two countries, however. The first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with Beijing in 2008, New Zealand counts dairy, meat and wood products as its largest items of export to China. Tourism and education are major services sectors. The Pacific country's exports to China in 2024 stood at NZ$20.85 billion ($A19.36 billion), made up of NZ$17.75 billion ($A16.48 billion) in goods and NZ$3.1 billion ($A2.9 billion) in services, the foreign ministry says on its website. Chinese tourists are the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, though their numbers are still nearly a fifth lower than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, official data shows. On the weekend, New Zealand said it would start in November a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with visas valid for its neighbour, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for New Zealanders last year. Luxon, who has called China "a vital part" of his Pacific nation's economic story, has told domestic media that based on the "mature relationship" with Beijing, he expects talks during his four-day visit to cover topics of security and defence. "The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand," his office said in a statement last week. The leaders of the two countries previously met on the sidelines of November's APEC summit in Peru, while Li visited New Zealand in June last year. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will use his China visit to foster trade ties and woo tourists and students, although thorny issues of security and defence will figure on his agenda in meetings with top leaders. Making his first visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2023, Luxon will arrive in the financial hub of Shanghai on Tuesday before heading to Beijing for meetings on Friday with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, his office said. "It's all part of our plan to grow our economy - creating more jobs, lifting wages, and putting more money in your back pocket," Luxon said in an Instagram post as he set off. The visit comes as Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific during the last few years has alarmed many Western nations whose traditionally stronger security foothold there is being challenged. "There are a whole bunch of issues and challenges in the relationship," said Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, while adding that both sides agree they have significant interests. New Zealand aired concerns in February, for instance, when the Cook Islands, within its constitutional ambit, signed pacts, such as one on co-operation on the economy, infrastructure and seabed mining, with China, without consulting it first. The presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and Chinese activity in the Pacific also pose challenges for the relationship, Young added. Trade and travel have proved less fractious areas for the two countries, however. The first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with Beijing in 2008, New Zealand counts dairy, meat and wood products as its largest items of export to China. Tourism and education are major services sectors. The Pacific country's exports to China in 2024 stood at NZ$20.85 billion ($A19.36 billion), made up of NZ$17.75 billion ($A16.48 billion) in goods and NZ$3.1 billion ($A2.9 billion) in services, the foreign ministry says on its website. Chinese tourists are the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, though their numbers are still nearly a fifth lower than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, official data shows. On the weekend, New Zealand said it would start in November a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with visas valid for its neighbour, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for New Zealanders last year. Luxon, who has called China "a vital part" of his Pacific nation's economic story, has told domestic media that based on the "mature relationship" with Beijing, he expects talks during his four-day visit to cover topics of security and defence. "The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand," his office said in a statement last week. The leaders of the two countries previously met on the sidelines of November's APEC summit in Peru, while Li visited New Zealand in June last year. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will use his China visit to foster trade ties and woo tourists and students, although thorny issues of security and defence will figure on his agenda in meetings with top leaders. Making his first visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2023, Luxon will arrive in the financial hub of Shanghai on Tuesday before heading to Beijing for meetings on Friday with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, his office said. "It's all part of our plan to grow our economy - creating more jobs, lifting wages, and putting more money in your back pocket," Luxon said in an Instagram post as he set off. The visit comes as Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific during the last few years has alarmed many Western nations whose traditionally stronger security foothold there is being challenged. "There are a whole bunch of issues and challenges in the relationship," said Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, while adding that both sides agree they have significant interests. New Zealand aired concerns in February, for instance, when the Cook Islands, within its constitutional ambit, signed pacts, such as one on co-operation on the economy, infrastructure and seabed mining, with China, without consulting it first. The presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and Chinese activity in the Pacific also pose challenges for the relationship, Young added. Trade and travel have proved less fractious areas for the two countries, however. The first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with Beijing in 2008, New Zealand counts dairy, meat and wood products as its largest items of export to China. Tourism and education are major services sectors. The Pacific country's exports to China in 2024 stood at NZ$20.85 billion ($A19.36 billion), made up of NZ$17.75 billion ($A16.48 billion) in goods and NZ$3.1 billion ($A2.9 billion) in services, the foreign ministry says on its website. Chinese tourists are the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, though their numbers are still nearly a fifth lower than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, official data shows. On the weekend, New Zealand said it would start in November a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with visas valid for its neighbour, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for New Zealanders last year. Luxon, who has called China "a vital part" of his Pacific nation's economic story, has told domestic media that based on the "mature relationship" with Beijing, he expects talks during his four-day visit to cover topics of security and defence. "The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand," his office said in a statement last week. The leaders of the two countries previously met on the sidelines of November's APEC summit in Peru, while Li visited New Zealand in June last year. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will use his China visit to foster trade ties and woo tourists and students, although thorny issues of security and defence will figure on his agenda in meetings with top leaders. Making his first visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2023, Luxon will arrive in the financial hub of Shanghai on Tuesday before heading to Beijing for meetings on Friday with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, his office said. "It's all part of our plan to grow our economy - creating more jobs, lifting wages, and putting more money in your back pocket," Luxon said in an Instagram post as he set off. The visit comes as Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific during the last few years has alarmed many Western nations whose traditionally stronger security foothold there is being challenged. "There are a whole bunch of issues and challenges in the relationship," said Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, while adding that both sides agree they have significant interests. New Zealand aired concerns in February, for instance, when the Cook Islands, within its constitutional ambit, signed pacts, such as one on co-operation on the economy, infrastructure and seabed mining, with China, without consulting it first. The presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and Chinese activity in the Pacific also pose challenges for the relationship, Young added. Trade and travel have proved less fractious areas for the two countries, however. The first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with Beijing in 2008, New Zealand counts dairy, meat and wood products as its largest items of export to China. Tourism and education are major services sectors. The Pacific country's exports to China in 2024 stood at NZ$20.85 billion ($A19.36 billion), made up of NZ$17.75 billion ($A16.48 billion) in goods and NZ$3.1 billion ($A2.9 billion) in services, the foreign ministry says on its website. Chinese tourists are the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, though their numbers are still nearly a fifth lower than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, official data shows. On the weekend, New Zealand said it would start in November a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with visas valid for its neighbour, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for New Zealanders last year. Luxon, who has called China "a vital part" of his Pacific nation's economic story, has told domestic media that based on the "mature relationship" with Beijing, he expects talks during his four-day visit to cover topics of security and defence. "The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand," his office said in a statement last week. The leaders of the two countries previously met on the sidelines of November's APEC summit in Peru, while Li visited New Zealand in June last year.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
NZ PM to discuss trade, tourism and security in China
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will use his China visit to foster trade ties and woo tourists and students, although thorny issues of security and defence will figure on his agenda in meetings with top leaders. Making his first visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2023, Luxon will arrive in the financial hub of Shanghai on Tuesday before heading to Beijing for meetings on Friday with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, his office said. "It's all part of our plan to grow our economy - creating more jobs, lifting wages, and putting more money in your back pocket," Luxon said in an Instagram post as he set off. The visit comes as Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific during the last few years has alarmed many Western nations whose traditionally stronger security foothold there is being challenged. "There are a whole bunch of issues and challenges in the relationship," said Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, while adding that both sides agree they have significant interests. New Zealand aired concerns in February, for instance, when the Cook Islands, within its constitutional ambit, signed pacts, such as one on co-operation on the economy, infrastructure and seabed mining, with China, without consulting it first. The presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and Chinese activity in the Pacific also pose challenges for the relationship, Young added. Trade and travel have proved less fractious areas for the two countries, however. The first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with Beijing in 2008, New Zealand counts dairy, meat and wood products as its largest items of export to China. Tourism and education are major services sectors. The Pacific country's exports to China in 2024 stood at NZ$20.85 billion ($A19.36 billion), made up of NZ$17.75 billion ($A16.48 billion) in goods and NZ$3.1 billion ($A2.9 billion) in services, the foreign ministry says on its website. Chinese tourists are the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, though their numbers are still nearly a fifth lower than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, official data shows. On the weekend, New Zealand said it would start in November a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with visas valid for its neighbour, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for New Zealanders last year. Luxon, who has called China "a vital part" of his Pacific nation's economic story, has told domestic media that based on the "mature relationship" with Beijing, he expects talks during his four-day visit to cover topics of security and defence. "The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand," his office said in a statement last week. The leaders of the two countries previously met on the sidelines of November's APEC summit in Peru, while Li visited New Zealand in June last year.
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
New Zealand PM to discuss trade, tourism and security in first visit to China, World News
BEIJING/WELLINGTON — New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit China from Tuesday (June 17), looking to foster trade ties and woo tourists and students, although thorny issues of security and defence will figure on his agenda in meetings with top leaders. Making his first visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2023, Luxon will arrive in the financial hub of Shanghai before heading to Beijing for meetings on Friday with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, his office said. "It's all part of our plan to grow our economy — creating more jobs, lifting wages, and putting more money in your back pocket," Luxon said in an Instagram post as he set off. The visit comes as Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific during the last few years has alarmed many Western nations whose traditionally stronger security foothold there is being challenged. "There are a whole bunch of issues and challenges in the relationship," said Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, while adding that both sides agree they have significant interests. New Zealand aired concerns in February, for instance, when the Cook Islands, within its constitutional ambit, signed pacts, such as one on co-operation on the economy, infrastructure and seabed mining, with China, without consulting it first. The presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and Chinese activity in the Pacific also pose challenges for the relationship, Young added. Significant interests Trade and travel have proved less fractious areas for the two countries, however. The first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with Beijing in 2008, New Zealand counts dairy, meat and wood products as its largest items of export to China. Tourism and education are major services sectors. The Pacific country's exports to China in 2024 stood at NZ$20.85 billion (S$16.22 billion), made up of NZ$17.75 billion in goods and NZ$3.1 billion in services, the foreign ministry says on its website. Chinese tourists are the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, though their numbers are still nearly a fifth lower than in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, official data shows. On the weekend, New Zealand said it would start in November a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with visas valid for its neighbour, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for New Zealanders last year. Luxon, who has called China "a vital part" of his Pacific nation's economic story, has told domestic media that based on the "mature relationship" with Beijing, he expects talks during his four-day visit to cover topics of security and defence. "The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand," his office said in a statement last week. The leaders of the two countries previously met on the sidelines of November's APEC summit in Peru, while Li visited New Zealand in June last year. Wellington has historically taken a more conciliatory approach towards China than Australia or its other partners in the Five Eyes security arrangement. But in recent years it has become more vocal on issues such as human rights, the international rules-based order and potential militarisation of the Pacific. In June 2023, then Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited Beijing, prior to Luxon. [[nid:719163]]
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China to kill AUKUS without firing a bullet? Trump's ‘America First' stand behind review of nuclear submarine deal with Australia
President Donald Trump has launched a Pentagon-led review of the 2021 AUKUS pact, which brings together Australia , the United Kingdom, and the United States in a multi-decade effort to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. This deal was signed under the Biden Administration , a commitment to give its allies the missing military edge in the form of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. This review marks the first serious reappraisal of the deal since its 2021 announcement and is being undertaken to find the perfect strategy to tackle China's military posturing in the Pacific and South China Sea. Also Read: Trump's US losing its tourist destination sheen, Australia joins growing list of friendly nations dropping America from travel itineraries by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father's Day in Costa Mesa - Travel Costa Mesa Travel Costa Mesa Read More Undo Officials say the review is to ensure the project aligns with Trump's 'America First' agenda and addresses concerns over resource limits in the US Navy . With the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) modernising rapidly and operating multiple nuclear submarines as well as aircraft carriers, the US forces are getting stretched. Live Events A defense official confirmed that the review will examine America's readiness, allied contributions, and the US industrial base. Why is Trump having second thoughts? Trump's team, led by Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, has questioned the submarine component, known as Pillar I, while supporting broader cooperation in intelligence and advanced technologies. Colby warned that US nuclear submarine capacity may not be sufficient to both supply Australia and meet American needs in a hypothetical conflict on other fronts, such as around Taiwan. This review is normal for a new administration (Trump) to evaluate key defense agreements. Canberra has already committed around A$4 billion toward US production and $500 million upfront. But the review stresses that the US must hit production targets, about 2.33 submarines per year, before transferring vessels. The Australian Government forecast suggests that this submarine program could cost a staggering US$235 billion over 30 years. Trump's approach also uses AUKUS to pressure Australia to increase defence spending significantly, from 2% of GDP to roughly 3.5%. Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles said that AUKUS will stay on track. He called the review 'natural and understandable,' given the change in US leadership. He stressed that Australia has a 'plan' and 'is sticking to it.' The Chinese reaction China maintained its opposition to the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal as the Trump Administration reviewed it to align with its " America First " agenda. Beijing had earlier labeled the deal as driven by 'Cold War thinking' and accused the US, UK, and Australia of embarking on a 'path of error and danger.' Also Read: Trump threatens broader troop deployment if ICE protests and riots spread After the news that the US is reviewing AUKUS, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a briefing on Thursday, June 12, 'China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, designed to advance cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies." What is AUKUS and what was it meant to serve? The AUKUS pact, short for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is a strategic security partnership announced in 2021. Its purpose is to strengthen military capabilities among these three countries and deter threats in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid China's growing influence. The deal, estimated to cost US$239 billion (or A$368 billion) over three decades, is structured around two main pillars. Pillar I: Nuclear Submarines Pillar I will focus on providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, marking a big leap forward from its current fleet of diesel-electric vessels. Only five countries, the US, Russia, China, France, the UK, and India operate nuclear-powered submarines. Australia will build a nuclear submarine base that will be operational by 2027 just off Perth, for $1.7 billion. US and UK submarines will begin short-term rotational deployments to Western Australia by 2027. These deployments are meant to familiarise Australia with nuclear-powered technology and operations. From 2032, Australia will purchase at least three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US, with the option to buy two more if needed. The long-term vision is to create a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines, SSN-AUKUS. The UK and Australia will jointly design these submarines using British blueprints, but with integrated US technology. They will be constructed in both countries and serve both navies. With this part of the plan, the Australian government officials hope to strengthen deterrence, build Australia's domestic defence industry, and deepen military interoperability among the three nations. Pillar II: Advanced Capabilities and Intelligence Sharing This part includes collaboration on artificial intelligence, undersea robotics, long-range hypersonic missiles, quantum technologies, cyber operations, and electronic warfare systems. The arrangement expands on decades of deep intelligence sharing between the US and UK, now extended to Australia. It is designed to give the allies an edge in emerging technologies that are crucial for modern warfare. Together, both pillars of AUKUS aim to reshape the Indo-Pacific security landscape and establish a long-term technological and strategic alignment framework between the three partner countries. What lies ahead for Australia? The Pentagon review is expected to wrap up within 30 days; however, no timeline is given. Its outcome could reshape AUKUS or prompt negotiations over defence spending and industrial commitments. Australia may also consider a fall-back plan if the submarine deal is delayed or altered, though Marles has ruled out mid-course changes. London reiterates AUKUS's strategic value but supports revisiting its terms. For Australia, the review brings uncertainty over its biggest defence project. AUKUS's future role in Indo-Pacific security could be in doubt if the review leads to cancellation or delay.
