Wang: China willing to boost mutual trust with NZ

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China is willing to enhance mutual trust with New Zealand and respect each other's core interests and major concerns to advance bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve more results.

He made the remarks during a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta on the sidelines of ASEAN-plus foreign ministers' meeting in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

China appreciates New Zealand for pursuing a pragmatic policy toward China and regards it a partner for common development and prosperity, Wang said.

China hopes and believes New Zealand can view China and its development objectively and positively, and handle bilateral relations in a rational and wise manner, he added.

Wang elaborated on China's solemn position on the Taiwan question, stressing it is the United States that staged provocation, undermined peace and created crises in the first place.

China's response is reasonable and legitimate, and China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold international law, and maintain regional peace and stability, he added.

Wang said the exchanges between China and South Pacific Island countries have lasted for half a century, with bilateral cooperation covering a wide range of fields. He added that China always respects the sovereignty and needs of the island countries, and adheres to the principle of "island countries-led and island countries-owned."

China advocates open regionalism, opposes zero-sum games, and champions win-win cooperation, Wang said. "China stands ready to work with countries including New Zealand to carry out tripartite or multilateral cooperation in the region to achieve complementary advantages and create synergies."

Mahuta said New Zealand continues to adhere to the one-China principle and respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She added that her country advocates upholding the basic norms of international relations, jointly addressing global challenges and working together to maintain regional peace and stability.

New Zealand has noticed that China's exchanges with South Pacific Island countries are nothing new, she said, while hoping that China will continue to strengthen cooperation with the island countries through the Pacific Islands Forum.