Chinese Premier Li starts New Zealand, Australia visits

Wellington (AFP) June 13, 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang touted trade and "friendship" as he started a tour of New Zealand and Australia on Thursday, a rare visit that comes as both hosts grapple with Beijing's influence in the Pacific. Second only to President Xi Jinping in China's political hierarchy, Li is the most senior figure to arrive on official business in either nation since 2017. Over six days, Li will set