Full coverage: China’s Leaders

China's President Xi Jinping has met with New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key, in Beijing to discuss forging closer ties.

Xi said China and New Zealand have reached an unprecedented level of cooperation since the two nations established diplomatic relations 44 years ago, and both nations would benefit from deeper ties. China is also willing to help New Zealand develop its infrastructure. 

Key said his government is committing to signing a bilateral free-trade agreement, that is currently under negotiation, and is interested in enhancing communication with China on international and regional issues. 

New Zealand was the first western country to join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.