Roundtable with Chinese Association for International Understanding

1 January 2022

The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre (NZCCRC) hosted a roundtable with the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) on Wednesday 13^th of December. The Chinese delegation was led by Madame Yan Junqi, Vice- Chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee and President of CAFIU. After being greeted by Vice-Chancellor Grant Guilford, Mme Yan led talks with New Zealand academics and non-governmental organisations, including Rotary International and the New Zealand-China Friendship Society, on the NZ-China relationship. Madame Yan’s visit coincided with the 45^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China.

The roundtable provided an opportunity for delegates to discuss a range of issues. Topics included the 19^th Party Congress and the Belt and Road Initiative. There was specific reference to the role developed nations like New Zealand might play in BRI and a lively discussion of the importance of academic exchanges and research to support the development of the next 45 years of diplomatic relations.