"The two nations' shared interests override any temporary difficulties," Prof Ren Xiao said. In New Zealand as a guest of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Prof Ren is associate dean at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai. Prof Ren predicted negotiations between Trade Minister David Parker and his Chinese counterpart regarding an enhanced free trade agreement would also progress this year. "Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and China all help them [Pacific nations] develop," he said. Although the summit finished early and without any agreement being signed, Prof Ren was again optimistic, and said he was sure diplomacy was still ongoing between the two countries.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 15, 2019 15:56 UTC