Editor's Note:
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited China in June. Being Luxon's first visit to China after he took office, the visit took place as the two countries enter the second decade of their comprehensive strategic partnership and led to the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering customs, food safety, organic product certification, climate change, and cultural heritage. Global Times (GT) reporter Chu Daye spoke with Nancy Lu (Lu), a New Zealand Member of Parliament who accompanied Luxon during the trip on the growing appetite among companies in both countries to further expand business ties.
GT: This is PM Christopher Luxon's first visit to China since taking office. You accompanied him throughout the entire trip. From your observation, what impressed him the most?
Lu: I think what stood out to the Prime Minister was the incredible depth of New Zealand businesses' knowledge of the Chinese market - particularly how well they've embedded themselves into existing relationships and still see significant potential for growth, both within those relationships and by expanding into new cities across China. 
He was also impressed by how New Zealand businesses are adapting through data and technology, not just to remain competitive but to stay ahead. I know he was genuinely encouraged by the quality of partnerships being built between New Zealand and China and the ambition to take our economic relationship to the next level.
GT: The visit coincides with the second decade of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between New Zealand and China. What is the significance of this moment?
Lu: This milestone reflects a relationship that has matured, deepened, and diversified. As the PM has said, the next chapter is about unlocking new opportunities while continuing to collaborate in areas of shared interest like trade, innovation, and sustainability.
For the 280,000 Chinese New Zealanders and their families and friends across China and New Zealand, this visit carries deep personal meaning. It reinforces that our two countries not only are strong economic partners but also share the long-lasting  people-to-people connections that matter.
GT: Before the trip, PM Luxon said the challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand. How do you think China and New Zealand could jointly cope with the current global situation?
Lu: As the world becomes more contested and unpredictable, it's vital that our two countries stay engaged. As the PM said while in China, we need to keep deepening our dialogue - especially on issues that are central to New Zealand's interests, such as the Pacific and the international rules-based system. Constructive dialogue and diplomacy will continue to be essential.
GT: What was the most impressive experience for you during the trip?
Lu: Personally, I was struck by how modern, advanced, and well-organized China is today. Whether it was the infrastructure, innovation, or the pace of development, there's enormous potential for cooperation - in business, in education, in cultural exchanges, and even in new market sectors like cosmetics. 
I was also proud to witness the PM's tireless advocacy for New Zealand. He represented us with authenticity and focus - always keeping the interests of New Zealanders front and center.
 

GT: The PM was joined by prominent business leaders and noted the goal was to "maximize opportunities for New Zealand businesses." What progress has been made so far?
Lu: It's been a real privilege to be part of this delegation alongside so many outstanding New Zealand business leaders. Their commitment to growing the NZ-China relationship is inspiring and encouraging. 
New Zealand Trade Enterprise has estimated this trip could generate up to NZ$871 million ($530.42 million) in positive impact for New Zealand. We saw numerous deals signed across sectors - agriculture, food and beverage, education, and even breakthroughs in cosmetics. That kind of momentum is exciting and shows the real appetite for further collaboration.
GT: How do you see the potential for future trade and economic cooperation between New Zealand and China? What could be the key drivers this year?
Lu: The potential is huge. Sectors like tourism, education, and trade remain central pillars - but what's exciting is the evolving depth in those areas. Visa changes for Chinese visitors and travel recovery will help re-energize tourism and student exchanges. Meanwhile, the strong people-to-people connections underpin the trust needed for long-term trade.
The key drivers this year will be rebuilding direct links, facilitating smoother business access, and keeping up with digital and consumer trends in China.
GT: As the only MP in the delegation and a Chinese New Zealander, how do you see your role in fostering the NZ-China ties?
Lu: It's an honor and I am very humble to be the only Member of Parliament on the Prime Minister's official visit to China and I am a proud Chinese New Zealander. As the Prime Minister affectionately calls us - Chiwis - we sit uniquely between both cultures. That gives us a responsibility to build bridges, promote mutual understanding, and help both sides learn from each other.
Whether it's through community, education, or business, I hope to help strengthen those ties and positively contribute to a relationship built on mutual respect, complementary strengths, and long-term trust.
GT: If you had to tell one story that represents the depth of NZ-China ties, what would it be?
Lu: There are so many stories to choose from, but here's one that's both practical and symbolic: McDonald's burgers in China are served with New Zealand red meat, and every Pizza Hut or KFC pizza is made with New Zealand cheese. Meanwhile, Zespri delivered 1.5 billion kiwifruits to China last season - that's one for every person in the country. Though originally known as China's "monkey fruit," kiwifruit is now widely recognized as a symbol of New Zealand. These small moments touch millions of lives daily. They also testify to the reliability and quality of New Zealand's food exports, as well as the trust Chinese consumers place in the New Zealand brand. 
But it's also about people. I think of a Chinese student who studied at Waikato University and later became one of China's best-selling authors, Ma Boyong, who shared he was inspired to write some of his best-selling books based on his journey in New Zealand - that's the kind of life-changing journey that only people-to-people connections can bring.
And finally, walking into the Great Hall of the People with the Prime Minister and the New Zealand delegation for the official welcoming and the state banquet - hearing both national anthems, being welcomed with such warmth - that moment symbolized just how meaningful our relationship is, not just at a political level, but at a deeply human one.