The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre and Centre for Strategic Studies host Ambassador Zhang Junsai for talks
The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre (NZCCRC) hosted a roundtable with the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS) at Victoria University of Wellington on Thursday. Ambassador Zhang Junsai led the discussions on New Zealand China relations, the current situation in Asia Pacific and the current regional security situation. All sides agreed to deepen their relationship through research collaboration and the hosting of visiting scholars in New Zealand.
Useful discussions were held on how New Zealand and China can work together in the Pacific and focused on how aid is provided in the region and China's evolving role in global affairs. Both sides welcomed increased cooperation and dialogue on areas of common interest.
Regional security challenges were identified by both sides, including the situation on the Korean peninsula, International terrorism, border disputes and the evolution of globalization. New Zealand delegates highlighted the importance of multilateral approaches to find solutions, while the Chinese delegates highlighted the willingness of China to find peaceful solutions to regional issues.
Ambassador Zhang Junsai is the former Chinese ambassador to Australia, Fiji and Canada and has extensive regional experience having spent time on the Oceania desk at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.