Chinese Government's Third-Highest Official Visits New Zealand Parliament

Zhao Leji, the third-highest-ranking official in the Chinese government, made a significant visit to New Zealand Parliament this week, meeting with Speaker Gerry Brownlee in a bilateral discussion.

Zhao, who holds the position of chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, ranks only behind President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in China’s hierarchy. His visit marks an important moment in Sino-New Zealand relations.

On Thursday, heightened security measures were in place at Parliament, with barriers restricting access to the forecourt. Around 100 supporters gathered on Parliament's lawn, waving flags, while a small group of protesters stood on the opposite side of the security fences.

The official delegation was welcomed into Parliament’s Grand Hall with a pōwhiri, a Māori welcoming ceremony. During the meeting, Speaker Brownlee expressed his honor in hosting such a distinguished guest and took the opportunity to share New Zealand’s democratic history with Zhao.

“It is an honour to welcome representatives from a country as old and populous as China,” Brownlee remarked, adding that the willingness to engage in trade and people-to-people relations was greatly appreciated.

Zhao responded warmly, saying he felt “very warm” in his korowai (a Māori cloak) and praised the long-standing relationship between the two nations. He highlighted the mutual understanding between China and New Zealand, despite a "changing international landscape."

Earlier that day, Zhao had met with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland and is set to participate in the unveiling of a plaque at the Rewi Alley Memorial Museum in Christchurch on Friday, further solidifying ties between the two countries.