Chinese ambassador Wang Xiaolong has issued a warning to New Zealand over the prospect of joining AUKUS.

In a speech delivered to the China Business Summit in Auckland, Xiaolong said China's relationship with New Zealand had reached a critical juncture - and joining AUKUS could impact that.

NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says this stance is in line with earlier comments made by ambassador Xiaolong.

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