From June 17 to 20, 2025, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid his first official visit to China since taking office, marking the start of the second decade of the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Luxon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the two sides held in-depth exchanges on China-New Zealand relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

To celebrate Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to China, the New Zealand Embassy in China hosted a Matariki (Māori New Year)reception on June 19. Chen Gang, President of Xi’an University of Arts and Sciences, attended the event as a special guest.

The reception was held in a warm atmosphere. Prime Minister Luxon delivered an enthusiastic speech, expressing high hopes for the future of China-New Zealand friendly cooperation. During the event, Prime Minister Luxon had a cordial and friendly conversation with President Chen Gang on educational exchanges and cooperation.