There are hopes Prime Minister Chris Hipkins can shine in his first meeting with Xi Jinping.
The pair will meet to discuss topics like trade and the war in Ukraine tonight in Beijing.
New Zealand China Council Executive Director Alistair Crozier says New Zealand needs to be sold as an accessible and open country.
He told Kate Hawkesby it will be a chance to make up for lost time.
Crozier says it will be the first trade delegation of its kind for seven years.
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