Foreign Minister Winston Peters heads to China next week, which coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the free trade agreement between the two countries. (Photo \ NZ Herald)

Ardern: China visit good time to upgrade free trade agreement

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Tue, 15 May 2018, 8:00AM

The Prime Minister's set her sights on maintaining our strong diplomatic relationship with China.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters heads to China next week, which coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the free trade agreement between the two countries.

Jacinda Ardern told Mike Hosking with that in mind, there needs to be some upgrades to the treaty.

"There's quite a few bits and pieces that are quite significant in our relationship, that we have hit milestones and it's a useful time for the Minister to visit and I am hoping to also make a visit before the end of the year for that reason too."

Ardern says the focus of New Zealand's work in the Pacific has to be about us and our contribution.

"Yes, we have acknowledged that there are others present in the Pacific who are taking a greater interest but for us ultimately our position has been 'we need to step up our relationship, it is different, it is unique, we are part of the pacific.'"

LISTEN ABOVE AS JACINDA ARDERN SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING