Some strong words are expected behind closed doors from China's Foreign Minister.

Wang Yi has been in talks with counterpart Winston Peters in Wellington today, ahead of an official dinner.

Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says they'll be all smiles for the cameras.

But he says behind the scenes, there may be harsh words about New Zealand's AUKUS moves.

"Because this new Government that New Zealand has really came out strongly, they came out with a hiss and a roar wanting to align New Zealand closer with the US and wanting to get into AUKUS. And that's not gone down well with Beijing."

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