NZ trade negotiators seek deal upgrade with China

Negotiators working on the upgrade of New Zealand's free trade deal with China have been given a message from the top to get on and reach a deal. Ms Ardern emerged from a meeting with Premier Li Keqiang saying they agreed to hold the next round of FTA upgrade talks and get a deal done as soon as possible. She also met with President Xi Jinping who was warm in his description of New Zealand as a long-time friend of China. He also said mutual trust was needed to advance further opportunities. The two leaders discussed Huawei's potential involvement in New Zealand's 5G network - initially rejected by the GCSB due to security concerns. But speaking to reporters afterwards, Ms Ardern said she didn't see the President's comments as an expression of mistrust.