Chinese diplomat gives first NZ university lecture

The Chinese Embassy’s political counsellor gave a lecture at Massey University on Friday outlining China’s role in the Pacific. 

China placed great importance on growing relations with Pacific island countries, Mr Cheng Lei said, explaining the thrust of China’s policy toward Pacific island countries is to achieve peace, stability and development.

Mr Cheng, who is the Chinese Embassy in Wellington’s deputy chief of mission, also spoke on China and New Zealand’s trade relations, and then answered questions from the audience, ranging from China’s aid policy to relations with Japan. The lecture at Massey’s Turitea campus was his first public address at a New Zealand university.

Massey Defence and Security Studies lecturer Major Josh Wineera says the audience was very privileged to receive such a wide-ranging and comprehensive explanation of China's engagement in the South Pacific, and also the relationship with New Zealand. “Universities by their very nature are places of critical enquiry, for frank and open dialogue. There were a number of 'prickly' questions asked by the audience - and rightfully so. This is what happens in higher learning institutions.

“I thought though, that the way Mr Cheng did not shy away from such enquiry, rather warmly encouraged such discussion and candidly responded to all of the questions impressed the audience.”

Major Wineera says the more we are informed of China's engagement with New Zealand, and in the region, the less room there is for suspicion and strategic miscalculation. “This underpins trust and mutual respect - which in my view, has been the key commodity fashioned from the 40 years of the China-New Zealand relationship."

Mr Cheng described his first visit to Massey as “fantastic” and said he aspired to communicate as much as possible with his diplomatic counterparts and academics in universities across the country, “to better enhance our mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples and two countries”.

Mr Cheng and his delegation also met with Nick Nelson and Major Wineera from the Centre for Defence and Security Studies and Arthur Chin from the International Office during the visit.