Chris Hipkins is set to discuss some of the world's most contentious topics with one of the world's most powerful men.

The Prime Minister has secured a meeting with President Xi Jinping during his week-long trade visit to the country next week.

It comes as the US and China restarted high-levels talks overnight with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledging to stabilise their tense relationship during a meeting in Beijing.

Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman says Hipkins and Xi are likely to discuss a range of issues, including China's position on Russia and Ukraine.

He says China knows New Zealand wants Russia to return to its borders, but may want to hear from Hipkins first hand.

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Chris Hipkins is set to discuss some of the world's most contentious topics with one of the world's most powerful men.
The Prime Minister has secured a meeting with President Xi Jinping during his week-long trade visit to the country next week.
It comes as the US and China restarted high-levels talks overnight with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledging to stabilise their tense relationship during a meeting in Beijing.
Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman says Hipkins and Xi are likely to discuss a range of issues, including China's position on Russia and Ukraine.
He says China knows New Zealand wants Russia to return to its borders, but may want to hear from Hipkins first hand.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.