在新西兰各界欢迎宴会上的致辞

Remarks at the Welcoming Gala Dinner in New Zealand

中华人民共和国国务院总理 李强

H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

2024年6月14日，奥克兰

Auckland, June 14, 2024

尊敬的拉克森总理，

女士们，先生们，朋友们：

Your Honorable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

大家好！很高兴在美丽的奥克兰同各位朋友欢聚一堂。我谨代表中国政府和人民，向长期以来关心、支持中新关系发展的各界人士表示衷心感谢，向热情友好的新西兰人民致以诚挚问候！

Good evening! It’s such a pleasure to join so many friends in the beautiful city of Auckland. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to people from across the New Zealand society who have given care and support to the development of China-New Zealand relations over the years. I also wish to send my best regards to the warm and friendly people of New Zealand.

今年是习近平主席访问新西兰和中新建立全面战略伙伴关系10周年。在这样一个重要的时间节点，我很荣幸应拉克森总理的邀请，到访这片风光迷人、物产丰饶的土地。我们很高兴地看到，过去10年，中新关系取得历史性发展，各领域合作达到前所未有的广度和深度。新西兰成为第一个与中方签署“一带一路”合作文件、第一个与中国签署自贸协定升级版的西方发达国家。中国一直保持是新西兰的最大贸易伙伴和最大出口市场，双边贸易额从十年前的约200亿新元翻倍到现在400亿新元左右。两国文旅、教育、地方等交流合作蓬勃开展，友好省州和城市增加到42对。中新友好合作的丰硕成果，不仅实实在在造福了两国人民，也有力促进了地区和世界的繁荣稳定。

This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s visit to New Zealand and the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries. At such an important moment, l am honored to be invited by Prime Minister Luxon to visit this land of fascinating beauty and abundance. We are delighted to see that in the past decade, China-New Zealand relations have made historic progress, and cooperation in various fields has advanced with unprecedented breadth and depth. New Zealand was the first developed country in the West to sign a Belt and Road cooperation document and upgrade its free trade agreement with China. China, on its part, has remained New Zealand’s largest trading partner and biggest export market. Two-way trade has doubled from around NZ$20 billion to around NZ$40 billion. Our exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism and education, and at the sub-national level are flourishing, and the number of sister provinces/states and sister cities has grown to 42 pairs. The fruitful results of our friendly cooperation have not only generated tangible benefits to our peoples, but also greatly contributed to prosperity and stability of the region and beyond.

如果把关注的目光投向更长的历史，就会有更多中新之间的友好故事、合作成果涌入视野。两国建交52年来，中新关系长期“领跑”中国同发达国家关系，携手创下多个“第一”。再往前追溯到19世纪60年代，从第一批华人踏上奥塔哥算起，中新友好往来已有近160年的历史。在这长达一个半多世纪的时间里，两国交流不断深入、合作日益紧密，对彼此的友谊和了解也在持续增进。今天我特别想说的是，中新虽然相距遥远、国情不同，但却有许多相同、相似之处，这使得我们彼此之间仿佛有一种天然的默契和共鸣。

If we delve deeper into history, more stories of friendship and more fruits of cooperation between China and New Zealand will come into view. In the past 52 years of diplomatic ties, China-New Zealand relations have long been a pacemaker in China’s engagement with the wider developed world, and set many records along the way. The history of friendly exchanges between our two countries, which can be traced back to the 1860s when the first group of Chinese people arrived in Otago, spans nearly 160 years. For over one and a half centuries, our exchanges have continued to deepen, our cooperation has become closer, and our friendship and mutual understanding have kept growing. What I want to stress here is that despite the distance between us and the difference in national conditions, China and New Zealand have forged a natural bond of affinity and empathy, based on our many commonalities and similarities.

第一，我们都有对自然生态的尊重。中新都有壮美的山川、丰富的生态。两国的传统价值观都强调敬畏自然，这让我们都对生态保护格外重视，对绿色发展有着深度认同。新西兰作为久负盛名的“长白云之乡”、“蓝天下的牧场”，发挥自然禀赋优势，以高水平农牧业为依托跻身世界发达国家，成为生态立国的全球样板，为中国的现代化建设也提供了有益借鉴。中国人历来讲究“天人合一”，这些年践行“绿水青山就是金山银山”的重要理念，大力推动发展方式绿色低碳转型，新能源汽车、风电、光伏等技术处于全球前列。我们两国的绿色发展不仅惠及自身，也为建设清洁美丽的世界作出积极贡献。

First, we both respect Mother Nature. China and New Zealand are both countries with magnificent landscape and diverse ecosystems. Reverence for nature is an integral part of our traditional values. That is why we both attach great importance to environmental protection and appreciate the necessity of green development. New Zealand is renowned for being a “land of the long white cloud” and “pasture under the blue sky.” Capitalizing on its rich natural endowments, New Zealand is a developed country with advanced agricultural and pastoral sector, and an example to the world on ecological sustainability. New Zealand’s experience offers valuable inspirations for China’s modernization drive. The Chinese people believe in harmony between man and nature. Over the past years, guided by the vision of “lucid waters and lush mountains being invaluable assets,” China has made vigorous efforts to promote green and low-carbon transition, and emerged as a leader of new energy vehicles, wind power, photovoltaic and other technologies. The green development of China and New Zealand not only benefits the two countries but also makes positive contribution to building a clean and beautiful world.

第二，我们都有对多元文化的包容。中新同为多民族国家，在本国各民族的交流互鉴、融合发展中，形成了兼收并蓄的相似文化特点。在新西兰，毛利文化、太平洋岛国文化与欧亚文化交相辉映、魅力纷呈。在中国，不同地区从饮食到服饰、从方言到建筑，构成了中华文化的丰富多彩。这种对多元文化的包容，让中新两国都培育了开放的胸怀。我们都认识到，固步自封只会被时代所淘汰，互利合作才能实现共同进步。过去数十年，中新都坚持自由贸易，积极拥抱经济全球化大势，并切实从中受益。我们两国用自身的实践表明，开放合作是国家发展繁荣不可或缺的成功密码。

Second, we both embrace cultural diversity. China and New Zealand are both countries of multi-ethnicity. Through the exchanges, mutual learning and integration of various ethnic groups, inclusiveness has become a hallmark of both our cultures. In New Zealand, the Maori, Pacific Islands, European and Asian cultures enrich and inspire one another. In China, the distinctive cuisines, clothing styles, dialects and architectures of different regions shape the vibrant landscape of the Chinese culture. Our embrace of cultural diversity has fostered an open mindset in both countries. We both understand that resisting change will make one fall behind the times, while mutually beneficial cooperation is the only way leading to common progress. For the past decades, China and New Zealand have stayed committed to free trade, embraced the trend of economic globalization, and gained real benefits in this process. We have demonstrated with our own experience that openness and cooperation are the critical enablers of national development and prosperity. 

第三，我们都有对创新创造的追求。长期以来，新西兰社会有着浓郁的创新氛围。从19世纪末开始，新西兰就通过牧草改良、选择性育种等技术创新不断提高农业生产力，农业科技一直世界领先。对电机、电控等技术的持续攻关，孕育出了“斐雪派克”等一批享誉全球的高端品牌。中国同样高度重视科技创新。这些年，我们深入实施创新驱动发展战略，新技术、新产业、新业态不断涌现。在世界知识产权组织发布的2023年全球创新指数排名中，中国和新西兰都较为靠前。我们两国在创新方面有不少共同语言，为双方加强合作提供了良好基础。

Third, we both pursue innovation and creativity. New Zealand has a longstanding reputation for having a robust innovation culture. Since the end of the 19th century, New Zealand has been working to boost agricultural productivity through pasture grass improvement, selective breeding and other new technologies, which makes it a world leader in agricultural technology. With continuous breakthroughs in motors, electronic control and other technologies, New Zealand has nurtured a group of world-renowned high-end brands like Fisher&Paykel. China also attaches great importance to science, technology and innovation. In recent years, we have fully implemented the innovation-driven development strategy, bringing a constant stream of new technologies, new industries and new business forms. In the Global Innovation Index 2023 published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. China and New Zealand both have a high ranking. Our two countries have a lot in common on innovation. This provides a solid foundation for enhancing our cooperation. 

第四，我们都有对世界和平的祈愿。这很大程度上源于中新人民相似的性格特征。新西兰人喜欢自称为“Kiwi”。我了解到，这既是一种水果，也是一种鸟类，但都有一个共同特点，就是让人感到亲切、可爱。这一称谓在全球广泛传播，成为新西兰人善良、质朴和友好的生动体现。中国民众常常讲要“和为贵、善为本、诚为先”，这是我们在5000年中华文明滋养下形成的深入骨髓的处世原则。这些国民品质，让中新两国在看待和处理国际关系时，也有着相似的理念立场。我们都强调国与国之间应当和睦相处，要对话而不是对抗，要合作而不是冲突，只有这样，才能共同维护好地区和世界的和平安宁。

Fourth, we both stand for world peace. This largely stems from our similar national characters. New Zealanders like to call themselves Kiwis. The term, as I have learned, refers to a bird and a fruit, and both are sweet and lovable. This nickname is now widely known in the world and has become a symbol of the kind, genuine and friendly people of NewZealand. In China, we often say that peace is precious, kindness is essential and sincerity is paramount. This is a principle hardwired into us by the 5,000-year Chinese civilization. Shaped by our shared traits, China and New Zealand adopt a similar philosophy and approach when it comes to international relations. We both underscore that countries should pursue peaceful relations and seek dialogue and cooperation, not confrontation or conflict, and that only in this way can regional and world peace and tranquility be safeguarded through joint efforts.

这些难得的相同相似，是中新共同的宝贵财富。过去52年，中新关系稳健发展，两国合作富有成效，很大程度也是得益于此。我们双方都要珍视和守护好这些宝贵财富，并努力让其在中新关系的未来发展中发挥更大作用。

These precious commonalities are a valuable asset for our two countries. They have played a large part in the steady progress and fruitful cooperation between China and New Zealand in the past 52 years. Both sides need to cherish and protect the asset, and tap more into it as we continue to grow China-New Zealand relations.

女士们、先生们、朋友们！

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

当前，世界百年变局加速演进，全球和平和发展事业面临许多困难。但正如一句新西兰谚语所说，“当你面向太阳，阴影终将消散。”中国愿同新西兰一道坚守共同的价值理念，进一步弘扬传统友好，努力打造中新全面战略伙伴关系升级版，为两国、地区乃至世界的稳定发展注入强劲动能。

Changes unseen in a century are unfolding faster across the world, and world peace and development is confronted with many difficulties. But just as a New Zealand proverb goes, “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” China is ready to join hands with New Zealand to stay true to our common values, carry forward our tradition of friendship and create an upgraded version of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to generate strong momentum for stability and development in our two countries, the region and beyond.

一是深化拓展各领域务实合作。中国和新西兰的经济互补优势较强，合作空间广阔。我们要巩固好生物医药、农业、食品等传统领域的合作基础，同时在新能源、数字经济等新兴领域持续深挖合作潜力，打造更多互利共赢的契合点、经济的新增长点。

First, we should deepen and expand cooperation across the fields. China and New Zealand enjoy great economic complementarities and broad space for cooperation. We need to cement the foundation of cooperation in traditional areas such as biomedicine, agriculture and food, and keep looking deeper for potential in emerging areas such as new energy and the digital economy to expand win-win cooperation and nurture new sources of growth.

二是让合作成果更好惠及两国人民。开展合作最终是要造福人民。我们要把改善和提升民生福祉作为推进两国合作的重要考量，在政策制定、项目规划、资源投入上合理统筹，作出真正有益人民的战略选择。中方将把新西兰纳入单方面免签国家范围，相信这将进一步便利两国人员往来。

Second, we should make our cooperation better serve the people. This is the ultimate goal of our cooperation. The people’s well-being should be our important consideration in conducting bilateral cooperation, and inform our decisions on policy making, project planning and inputs, so strategic choices are made that truly benefit the people. We will include New Zealand in China’s unilateral visa waiver program. This will further facilitate personnel exchanges between our two countries.

三是为亚太及世界的和平和发展作出贡献。我们要加强多边领域的沟通协调，维护以联合国为核心的国际体系、以国际法为基础的国际秩序，推动各方践行真正的多边主义，携手为地区与世界的和平稳定、繁荣发展贡献智慧力量。特别是当前全球经济复苏乏力，中国愿同新西兰一道，为推动世界经济恢复增长发挥应有作用。

Third, we should contribute to peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. We need to strengthen communication and coordination on multilateral affairs, uphold the U.N.-centered international system and the international order based on international law, encourage all to practice true multilateralism, and work hand in hand to contribute our wisdom and energy to regional and global peace, stability, development and prosperity. In particular, amid the sluggish global economic recovery, China stands ready to work with New Zealand to be the force we are for global economic recovery and growth.

今年以来，中国经济回升向好态势持续巩固增强，一季度国内生产总值同比增长5.3%，实现良好开局，消费保持活跃，投资稳健增长，进出口规模处于较高水平，市场信心持续上升，特别是高技术制造业、新兴产业的发展势头良好，经济新动能正在加快成长壮大。近段时间，国际货币基金组织、世界银行、经合组织等多家国际机构上调了中国经济增速预期，中国仍将是全球经济增长的最大引擎。从长远看，中国经济长期向好的趋势不会改变，我们正以高质量发展全面推进中国式现代化，14亿多人的超大规模市场将持续释放巨大需求。中国的新发展是世界的大机遇。我们愿同各国继续分享机遇，实现共同发展。

The Chinese economy has enjoyed an ever-stronger momentum of recovery since the beginning of this year. In the first quarter, it got off to a good start with a 5.3 percent growth year on year, and maintained strong consumption, steady increase in investment, elevated levels of imports and exports and rising market confidence. In particular, the high-tech manufacturing industry and emerging industries are showing good momentum and fast strengthening China’s new sources of growth. Forecasts for the Chinese economy are being upgraded by international institutions including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. China will continue to be the largest engine of global growth. Looking over a longer horizon, the Chinese economy will sustain a positive trajectory over the long run as we advance Chinese modernization in all respects through high-quality development and continuously unlock tremendous demand from our huge market of 1.4 billion people. More development in China is a great opportunity for the world. We are ready to continue to share opportunities with other countries to achieve common development.

女士们、先生们、朋友们！

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

奥克兰被誉为“风帆之都”。中国有句古话，“百舸争流，奋楫者先”。面向未来，让我们齐心协力、共同努力，推动中新友好合作在新征程上扬帆远航、再创辉煌！

Auckland is known as the “City of Sails.” We Chinese say, “In a boat race, those who row the hardest win.” Going forward, let us row together, and set sail towards a brighter future of China-New Zealand friendship and cooperation!

谢谢大家！

Thank you!