Li arrives in New Zealand; China seen as key partner

Free trade upgrade talks get underway in 2nd quarter

Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Wellington on Sunday to start a four-day visit to New Zealand after his trip to Australia last week, the first such trip by a Chinese premier in 11 years.

Li and his New Zealand counterpart, Prime Minister Bill English, will hold talks to discuss a range of issues and be on hand as cooperative documents are signed. Li also will fly to Auckland to meet with business leaders on Monday before heading back to Beijing.