Why China?
As a global and regional power, New Zealand's 3rd largest trading partner, and a major source of migrants, students and tourists, China is important to New Zealand as bilateral, regional and multilateral partner.
The China/New Zealand relationship is characterised by regular high-level contacts, an expanding range of official dialogues - both formal and informal, healthy and diversifying trade and economic flows in both directions, and strengthening people to people contacts.
New Zealand contact with China started very early in our history, with trade, missionary, immigration and other links in China's Republican era (1912-1949). The establishment of the People's Republic and the Korean War brought these links to a halt. New Zealand recognised the People's Republic of China in 1972.
The relationship has expanded considerably since the mid-1990s with a number of high level visits, and foreign policy and economic and trade talks taking place. A Trade and Economic Framework (TECF) signed in 2004, provided a mechanism for increased cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This TECF led the way for the beginnings of the free trade agreement between China and New Zealand.- Page last updated: 03 December 2008
