On January 31, 2023, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council sent a congratulatory message to Chris Hipkins on his taking office as New Zealand’s Prime Minister.

Li Keqiang said in his message that China and New Zealand are important countries in the Asia-Pacific region and each other’s important cooperative partner. In recent years, China-New Zealand relations have enjoyed sound development, and cooperation in various fields has brought benefits to the people of the two countries, which has made important contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity. China-New Zealand relations have spanned 50 years, and at this new historical starting point, the two sides should work together to carry forward the spirit of striving to be the first, strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand exchanges and advance cooperation, so as to constantly advance the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.