Christopher Luxon in Shanghai. Photo: Craig McCulloch/RNZ
Christopher Luxon has torn through a blitz of promotional events on his first day in Shanghai, spruiking New Zealand's wares before the serious diplomacy begins.
On Thursday, the prime minister is expected to attend an event at one of China's most prestigious universities, Fudan University, in a bid to attract more Chinese students to New Zealand.
Luxon will also hold his first political meeting of the trip, sitting down with Shanghai's highest ranked official, Party Secretary of Shanghai Chen Jining.
The PM's three-day trip to China comes at a time of increased rivalry between the superpower and the United States with its Western allies.
In recent years, New Zealand has sought to diversify its trade relationships to reduce its outsized economic reliance on China.
But Luxon has used this visit, so far, to hammer home the message that New Zealand wants to do even more business with its number one trading partner.
"We are a third of one percent of Chinese trade, so we just need a little bit more and we're doing exceptionally well for ourselves," Luxon told reporters.
'Let's get selling' - PM's business blitz
The PM began his first day in Shanghai with a tour of Trip.com Group's headquarters, where he was treated to a high-tech multimedia display showcasing the demand from Chinese tourists for New Zealand holidays.
Vice president Edison Chen commended Luxon for recently relaxing visa requirements for Chinese tourists coming from Australia.
But he said a full visitor visa waiver - like what China offers NZ - would be "beautiful".
Luxon laughed off the plea but said: "I appreciate the pitch".
Speaking later to reporters, Luxon said that was not on the cards and he considered the current immigration settings to be appropriate.
"Immigration New Zealand has a decision and a responsibility to look at the visa settings for 195 countries," he said.
"That's a decision for them to make."
Luxon blamed New Zealand's insular attitude for Chinese tourist numbers still lagging pre-pandemic levels.
China was even later than New Zealand to open up post-Covid-19.
Luxon denied his government's decision to hike visa fees could have been a deterrent.
The coalition also tripled the international visitor levy from $35 to $100 per person.
"Our biggest challenge is actually getting share of mind and raising the profile of New Zealand within China," Luxon said.
From Trip.com, Luxon was shuttled to the Langham Hotel for a Fonterra event promoting grass-fed dairy where attendees were served milk in champagne flutes.
Christopher Luxon at an event promoting New Zealand meat. Photo: Craig McCulloch/RNZ
It was then on to "New Zealand Central" - an event facility run by NZ Trade & Enterprise.
There, Luxon took part in a showcase of New Zealand cosmetics, even applying eye cream to one of the media pack.
"You can see I am a daily recipient of [these skincare products]," Luxon joked.
"This look does not come to you easily each day."
The PM used the occasion to announce a new government certification scheme clearing the way for Kiwi-made cosmetics to be sold on Chinese shelves.
"Let's get selling!" Luxon said.
Several rooms down in the same building, the Meat Industry Association launched a new campaign and treated invitees to sample beef and lamb.
New 'Belt and Road' initiative?
At the nearby Peninsula Hotel, Luxon then oversaw the announcement of a new flight route between China and South America, stopping in Auckland.
Subject to final regulatory approvals, China Eastern Airlines would begin two flights a week from Shanghai to Auckland, and then on to Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Luxon also announced Chinese travellers on the route would no longer require transit visas.
Of note, China Eastern Airlines chair Wang Zhiqing billed the overall project as being part of the controversial "Belt and Road" initiative.
In early 2017, the then-National government signed a memorandum with China proposing to work on the BRI, but New Zealand has not since pursued such projects.
Many Western nations - including NZ's Five Eyes partners - consider the Belt and Road initiative to be a bid by China to grow its influence.
As recently as March, Trade Minister Todd McClay told The Post the idea was "not something we've been considering".
In a statement to RNZ, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the expanded air connection but stressed the announcement was a "commercial deal".
"The New Zealand government is not developing BRI initiatives," an MFAT spokesperson told RNZ.
Later on Wednesday, at the same venue, Luxon witnessed a series of business deals being signed, teed up in advance of the visit.
As well, the PM found time for a quick tour of the famous Yu Garden where he spoke with local novelist and blogger Ma Boyong, a former student at the University of Waikato.
The prime minister on a quick tour of the famous Yu Garden. Photo: Craig McCulloch/RNZ
High-stakes, high-level talks
Later on Wednesday, Luxon will meet with Shanghai's highest ranked official, Party Secretary of Shanghai Chen Jining.
Before Chen, the powerful role belonged to now-Premier Li Qiang and, in 2007, to now-President Xi Jinping.
Luxon will sit down with both those men at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday, the most important day of his visit.
The PM told reporters he wanted to strengthen those relationships to help grow trade and to ensure a "good open dialogue" on global issues.
Speaking to RNZ before departure, Luxon said he had established "good rapport" with both leaders during their previous meetings.
"I've enjoyed those interactions. I've found them very constructive."
The PM last met Xi in November on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru.
Luxon told RNZ that Xi had reached out and offered up that meeting "which was really unusual" but a "fantastic opportunity".
At the time, Luxon characterised their conversation as "warm, positive and constructive" but noted clear differences over the AUKUS defence pact and missile testing in the Pacific.
Luxon also met with Li in June 2024 during the premier's first official visit to New Zealand, a meeting Luxon called "a tremendous success".
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