Summary
On 25 June 2026, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong delivered a keynote speech at the 12th China Business Summit in Auckland, emphasising steadfastness amid change and win-win outcomes through cooperation.Ambassador Wang noted that China's economy will maintain steady growth, shifting towards high-quality development.2026 marks the start of the '15th Five-Year Plan', with全社会R&D spending growing at an average annual rate of over 7%.
China holds about 60% of global AI patents, and the digital economy's core industries account for over 10.5% of GDP. China remains committed to peaceful development, firmly safeguarding sovereignty, security, and development interests, opposing 'Taiwan independence' and external interference, while demonstrating global responsibility, such as implementing zero tariffs on all African countries with diplomatic ties. Ambassador Wang called on China and New Zealand to meet each other halfway and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, citing highly complementary economies and vast cooperation potential.
Over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the bilateral relationship has long been ahead of other Western countries with China. Today, common interests are even greater, particularly in technological innovation and green transformation. Chinese electric vehicles are now popular in New Zealand, offering affordable and quality choices.
Ambassador Wang stressed that the more complex the environment, the more valuable trustworthy partnerships become, and mutual benefit between China and New Zealand will inject stability.
Commentary
Ambassador Wang Xiaolong's speech sends several key signals for New Zealand's small and medium-sized enterprises. First, China's shift to high-quality development, with rising R&D spending, opens opportunities in AI, digital economy, and more. New Zealand businesses that find collaboration points with Chinese firms in smart technology, green energy, or high-end manufacturing could gain early-mover advantage.
For instance, in EV support services, smart agriculture solutions, or low-carbon environmental technologies, China and New Zealand have clear complementarities. Second, Ambassador Wang clearly stated that the China-New Zealand relationship has a solid foundation and China is willing to deepen cooperation. This helps reduce trade policy uncertainty, allowing SMEs to explore the Chinese market or introduce Chinese technology with more confidence.
However, note that China is accelerating indigenous innovation and may reduce dependence on foreign imports in some areas; New Zealand firms should highlight differentiated advantages such as brand reputation, environmental certification, or specialty products. In addition, green transformation is a priority for China; New Zealand has rich experience in clean energy and sustainable agriculture, making it possible to promote relevant products to China's mid-to-high-end consumers. Overall, a good partnership provides stable expectations, but proactive alignment with China's industrial upgrading needs is necessary to avoid homogeneous competition.
Keywords: Wang Xiaolong, China Business Summit, China-New Zealand relations, win-win cooperation, new quality productive forces, green transformation, digital economy, 15th Five-Year Plan
Summary in Chinese | 摘要
2026年6月25日，中国驻新西兰大使王小龙在奥克兰第十二届中国商业峰会上发表主旨讲话，强调变局中笃行、合作中共赢。王大使指出，中国经济将保持稳步增长，动力转向高质量发展，2026年作为“十五五”规划开局之年，全社会研发经费年均增长7%以上，中国拥有全球60%左右人工智能专利，数字经济核心产业增加值占GDP比重超10.5%。中国坚持走和平发展道路，坚定维护主权、安全和发展利益，反对“台独”和外部干涉，同时展现大国担当，如对全部非洲建交国实施零关税。
王大使呼吁中新双方相向而行，深化全面战略伙伴关系，认为两国经济高度互补，合作潜力巨大。中新建交50多年来，关系长期走在中国同西方发达国家前列，当前共同利益更多，尤其在科技创新和绿色转型领域。中国电动汽车已在纽普及，为消费者提供物美价廉选择。
王大使强调，越在复杂环境下，互信伙伴关系越珍贵，中新互利共赢将注入稳定性。
Commentary in Chinese | 评论
王小龙大使的讲话为新西兰中小企业主传递了几个关键信号。首先，中国经济转向高质量发展，研发投入持续增长，人工智能、数字经济等领域涌现新机遇。这意味着新西兰企业若能在智能技术、绿色能源或高端制造方面找到与中国企业的合作点，可能获得先发优势。
例如，在电动汽车配套服务、智慧农业解决方案或低碳环保技术上，中新互补性明显。其次，王大使明确表示中新关系基础稳固，中方愿继续深化合作。这有助于降低贸易政策不确定性风险，中小企业可更放心地开拓中国市场或引进中国技术。
但需注意，中国正加速自主创新，可能在某些领域减少对外依赖，新西兰企业应突出差异化优势，如品牌信誉、环保认证或特色产品。此外，绿色转型是中国重点，新西兰在清洁能源、可持续农业领域经验丰富，可针对中国中高端消费群体推广相关产品。总体来看，好伙伴关系提供了稳定预期，但需要主动对接中国产业升级需求，避免同质化竞争。
关键词: 王小龙, 中国商业峰会, 中新关系, 合作共赢, 新质生产力, 绿色转型, 数字经济, 十五五规划