Chinese leader calls for co-operation in Pacific

His Excellency Mr Xi Jinping meets Hon Sir Anand Satyanan at Government house. Photo / Greg Bowker

Chinese Vice-president Xi Jinping landed in Auckland yesterday and spent a busy day meeting and greeting.

Mr Xi met the Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, at Government House (picture) before attending a lunch hosted by Minister of Trade Tim Groser.

He is in New Zealand with more than 100 senior business leaders for a three-day visit which will see him spending today in Wellington.

At the lunch, Mr Xi told the audience that China and New Zealand needed to explore ways to develop trade ideas and co-operation in the Pacific.

At a dinner at Government House last night, Falun Gong protesters stood outside with a large banner, calling for the Chinese Government to stop persecution in the country.