On February 13, 2023, Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng met with new Ambassador of New Zealand to China Grahame Robert Morton. The two sides exchanged views on China-New Zealand relations and issues of mutual interest and concern. Xie Feng welcomed Morton's assumption of office, noting that having celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year, China-New Zealand relations are standing at a new starting point. China is ready to work with New Zealand to well implement the important common understandings reached between leaders of the two countries, carry forward the spirit of striving to be the first, further increase political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and properly manage differences, so as to push for new and greater development of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.