Will's Word: China trip is Peters' biggest test this year

Best of luck to Winston as he jets off to Beijing this week - and I’m not being cheeky I genuinely mean it – because he’s going to need it.

Our Foreign Affairs Minister is due to engage in high-stakes talks with his Chinese counterpart, and it could not come at a more crucial time.

It’s no secret China is our biggest trading partner, but it’s also making moves in the Pacific.

The Cook Islands just inked a deal with Beijing, and Chinese warships have been running drills off Australia.

Meanwhile, the AUKUS alliance is ramping up, and New Zealand is stuck in the middle. So where do we stand?

And then there’s Trump, and so dare I say the global balance is unpredictable.

You can bet both New Zealand and China are factoring that into their long-term strategies.

There’s also plenty to discuss beyond trade: Security in the Pacific, China’s influence in the region, and where New Zealand fits in all of it.

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After China, Peters heads to Mongolia and South Korea,.

But it’s his time in Beijing that will set the tone for what’s ahead.

This may arguably be Winston’s biggest test this year.

That’s Will’s Word.