16 December 2002

His Excellency Mr Tang Jiaxuan
Minister of Foreign Affairs
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA


Dear Foreign Minister Tang

I would like to extend my best wishes to you and the Government and people of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

I was delighted that you were able to visit New Zealand during the anniversary year. As noted during your visit, bilateral relations - political, economic and people-to-people - are in excellent shape. A notable development in recent years has been the strong growth in the number of Chinese students and tourists visiting New Zealand.

The New Zealand Government values the rich and diverse partnership that has developed between our two countries and looks forward to the continued strengthening of the warm and friendly ties that exist between us.


Yours sincerely


Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade