Xi: Nations welcome to share opportunities(2)

New Zealand

In talks with New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, President Xi underscored that China's efforts to seek self-reliance and self-improvement are never about closing its doors, but rather about better connecting its domestic and international markets.

China, with its vast land and huge population, can only seek its development based on its own strength, he told Hipkins, who is making his first visit to Beijing since taking office in January.

An open China is crucial to achieving its modernization, Xi said, adding that Beijing will remain unwavering in advancing high-level opening-up and better protecting the legitimate interests of foreign investors.

Xi reiterated that China considers New Zealand a friend and partner, expressing willingness to work together with New Zealand to embark on a new era in bilateral relations and ensure the long-term stability and progress of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides should continue to see each other as partners instead of rivals and opportunities rather than threats, and should consolidate the foundation for bilateral relations, he said.

He highlighted the implementation of the upgraded version of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, as well as promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and providing a better business environment for each other's enterprises.

The two nations should jointly uphold true multilateralism and the free trade system and jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change, he said.

Hipkins said his country attaches great importance to ties with China, and he called upon both sides to continue deepening cooperation in economy, trade, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Differences should not define the bilateral relations, and what is important is to maintain candid exchanges and mutual respect and put aside differences while seeking common ground, he said.