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Zhao Leji

The latest news on Chinese politician Zhao Leji, including political stories and updates.

Born

8 Mar 1957

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Chairman of the National People's Congress of China

The HMNZS Aotearoa, a Polar-class replenishment vessel of the New Zealand Navy, was deployed to the East China and Yellow seas with allies in November. Photo: Handout via Reuters

China-New Zealand relations

7 Chinese warships followed our navy vessel in East Asia, New Zealand says

Wellington says ship was to carry out surveillance and deterrence activities to bolster UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

9 Dec 2025 - 10:18PMvideocam

China-France relations

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

3 Dec 2025 - 8:15PMvideocam

New Zealand

China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji calls for closer New Zealand trade ties

23 Nov 2025 - 5:02PM

US-China relations

US delegation’s ‘ice-breaking’ China visit hints at thaw in relations

Foreign ministry describes talks with US bipartisan group of lawmakers as ‘candid, in-depth’ exchange of views.

24 Sep 2025 - 5:38PMvideocam

US Representative Adam Smith (left) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as he leads a bipartisan group of US lawmakers for a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang called on Washington to treasure the current “stabilising trend” in bilateral relations while upholding its “political commitments” regarding Taiwan. Photo: EPA/POOL

Chile

Senior Chilean lawmaker investigated over actions involving Chinese businessman

Records show ex-president of country’s lower house helped arrange for retail centre owner to join official parliamentary trip to mainland.

21 Jun 2025 - 1:20AM

China-New Zealand relations

‘No conflict of interest’ between China and New Zealand, Xi tells Luxon

New Zealand leader’s China trip focuses on trade and tourism, but differences over Pacific island ties cast a shadow.

20 Jun 2025 - 6:57PM

China’s Communist Party

China is getting ready for a key meeting to discuss its next 5-year plan

President Xi Jinping says leadership is ‘organising the drafting of a proposal’, which will need to be endorsed at the fourth plenum.

25 May 2025 - 2:00PMvideocam

President Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country on inspection tours ahead of the fourth plenum. Photo: TNS

Two Sessions 2025

China’s No 3 returns to public spotlight after missing end of ‘two sessions’

The chairman of the National People’s Congress skipped its closing ceremony this week due to a respiratory tract infection.

12 Mar 2025 - 9:40PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2025

Why was China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji missing at the end of ‘two sessions’?

Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and former corruption body secretary was last seen in public on Saturday.

11 Mar 2025 - 7:12PMvideocam

China's economic recovery

Win-win: China rolls out red carpet for foreign firms with charm offensive

Nearly all of China’s top-level officials responsible for economic affairs have met or have plans to meet with multinational executives amid Beijing’s push to revive confidence and lure foreign investment.

27 Mar 2024 - 9:22AM

People chat before the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2024 in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

China-Africa relations

Focused on Global South, China upgrades ties with Angola

Beijing is a reliable friend and sincere partner for countries in Africa, Xi Jinping tells visiting Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

16 Mar 2024 - 10:00PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanies Angolan President Joao Lourenco during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Two Sessions 2024

China vows to revise law to promote patriotism and public defence support

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing will help unity ‘between the military and the government, and between the military and the people’.

8 Mar 2024 - 7:37PMvideocam

China-Africa relations

Sierra Leone leader’s visit to China shines light on Xi’s challenge to West

As the Chinese leader met President Bio in Beijing, the pair pledged to ‘safeguard’ African interests on the global stage.

2 Mar 2024 - 10:00AMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

Success of China’s revised state secrets law depends on publicity, says official

Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection wrote that public must know their obligations under amended Law on Guarding State Secrets.

28 Feb 2024 - 8:16PM

China’s amended Law on Guarding State Secrets will come into effect in May. Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection says it’s crucial citizens are aware of their legal obligations. Photo: Shutterstock

China-Africa relations

China vows to share governance notes with Djibouti, deepen belt and road ties

Pledge from NPC Standing Committee chair Zhao Leji comes during meeting with Djiboutian counterpart Dileita Mohamed Dileita marking 45 years of diplomatic ties.

24 Jan 2024 - 9:00PM

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, with Dileita Mohamed Dileita, speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti, in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

Belt and Road Initiative

Xi reveals China’s push for global power after secret meeting on foreign policy

‘We will create a more favourable international environment and provide more solid strategic support for building China into a great modern socialist country,’ Chinese president says after two-day Central Conference on Foreign Affairs Work.

29 Dec 2023 - 7:10PMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

Exclusive | Xi is relying more on lieutenants to forge ties with China’s political elites

President has smaller share of direct links with Central Committee members than he did five years ago, Post analysis finds.

18 Dec 2023 - 7:17PMvideocam

China-Russia relations

China wants to deepen ‘everlasting’ good ties with Russia: Xi Jinping

President Xi Jinping’s comments to State Duma chair Vyacheslav Volodin echo pledges made to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Beijing in October. Volodin is leading a parliamentary team on a three-day visit to China.

23 Nov 2023 - 5:16AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

China-Asean relations

China, Cambodia pledge stronger ties as Xi Jinping welcomes new PM to Beijing

Beijing and Phnom Penh have promised further cooperation in law enforcement, security and industry.

18 Sep 2023 - 3:54PMvideocam

Diplomacy

New Cambodian PM Hun Manet to visit China and meet President Xi Jinping

Chinese foreign ministry says Beijing looks to chart a course for the next stage of cooperation between the two nations.

12 Sep 2023 - 3:53PMvideocam

South China Sea

China, Vietnam reaffirm pledge on South China Sea ‘code of conduct’

Pledges on ‘guiding the settlement of sea-related issues’ follow high-profile visit to China by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

30 Jun 2023 - 11:46PMvideocam

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang applaud the signing of an agreement at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE

China-Africa relations

Why China gives Africa’s leaders the red-carpet treatment

Often snubbed in the West, African officials are feted during visits to Beijing, giving them an opportunity to secure mega-project funding and debt deals, but observers say China is increasingly conservative in its promises.

29 Jun 2023 - 8:02PMvideocam

New Zealand

New Zealand PM disagrees with Biden, says Xi not a ‘dictator’

Hipkins, who is heading to Beijing this week, said he doesn’t believe the Chinese leader was a dictator.

22 Jun 2023 - 12:35PMvideocam

US-China relations

Be ready for ‘worst-case’ scenarios: China’s Xi sounds national security alert

Comments show China harbours no ‘illusions’ about the fallout of its rivalry with the US and has little hope of a lasting improvement in ties, analysts say.

1 Jun 2023 - 5:33AMvideocam

117

Brazil

China rolls out red carpet for Brazil’s President Lula, pledging to elevate ties

Xi Jinping welcomes his Brazilian counterpart to the Chinese capital, saying relations are a diplomatic priority.

14 Apr 2023 - 9:26PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

In meeting with Macron, Xi Jinping calls for political solution in Ukraine

Chinese president tells French counterpart their countries can overcome differences and constraints to develop their relations and ‘maintain world peace, stability and prosperity’.

6 Apr 2023 - 7:48PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

War in Ukraine to headline Macron-Xi talks on French president’s China trip

The head of the European Commission will also be in the Chinese capital but there is no hope of reviving an investment agreement.

3 Apr 2023 - 7:00PMvideocam

China-Asean relations

China and Singapore to upgrade ties, paving way for hi-tech cooperation

Both countries reaffirm their relationship and pledge to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system.

1 Apr 2023 - 7:38PM

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Zhao Leji

7 Chinese warships followed our navy vessel in East Asia, New Zealand says

Wellington says ship was to carry out surveillance and deterrence activities to bolster UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji calls for closer New Zealand trade ties

US delegation’s ‘ice-breaking’ China visit hints at thaw in relations

Foreign ministry describes talks with US bipartisan group of lawmakers as ‘candid, in-depth’ exchange of views.

Senior Chilean lawmaker investigated over actions involving Chinese businessman

Records show ex-president of country’s lower house helped arrange for retail centre owner to join official parliamentary trip to mainland.

‘No conflict of interest’ between China and New Zealand, Xi tells Luxon

New Zealand leader’s China trip focuses on trade and tourism, but differences over Pacific island ties cast a shadow.

China is getting ready for a key meeting to discuss its next 5-year plan

President Xi Jinping says leadership is ‘organising the drafting of a proposal’, which will need to be endorsed at the fourth plenum.

China’s No 3 returns to public spotlight after missing end of ‘two sessions’

The chairman of the National People’s Congress skipped its closing ceremony this week due to a respiratory tract infection.

Why was China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji missing at the end of ‘two sessions’?

Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and former corruption body secretary was last seen in public on Saturday.

Win-win: China rolls out red carpet for foreign firms with charm offensive

Nearly all of China’s top-level officials responsible for economic affairs have met or have plans to meet with multinational executives amid Beijing’s push to revive confidence and lure foreign investment.

Focused on Global South, China upgrades ties with Angola

Beijing is a reliable friend and sincere partner for countries in Africa, Xi Jinping tells visiting Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

China vows to revise law to promote patriotism and public defence support

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing will help unity ‘between the military and the government, and between the military and the people’.

Sierra Leone leader’s visit to China shines light on Xi’s challenge to West

As the Chinese leader met President Bio in Beijing, the pair pledged to ‘safeguard’ African interests on the global stage.

Success of China’s revised state secrets law depends on publicity, says official

Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection wrote that public must know their obligations under amended Law on Guarding State Secrets.

China vows to share governance notes with Djibouti, deepen belt and road ties

Pledge from NPC Standing Committee chair Zhao Leji comes during meeting with Djiboutian counterpart Dileita Mohamed Dileita marking 45 years of diplomatic ties.

Xi reveals China’s push for global power after secret meeting on foreign policy

‘We will create a more favourable international environment and provide more solid strategic support for building China into a great modern socialist country,’ Chinese president says after two-day Central Conference on Foreign Affairs Work.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Xi is relying more on lieutenants to forge ties with China’s political elites

President has smaller share of direct links with Central Committee members than he did five years ago, Post analysis finds.

China wants to deepen ‘everlasting’ good ties with Russia: Xi Jinping

President Xi Jinping’s comments to State Duma chair Vyacheslav Volodin echo pledges made to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Beijing in October. Volodin is leading a parliamentary team on a three-day visit to China.

China, Cambodia pledge stronger ties as Xi Jinping welcomes new PM to Beijing

Beijing and Phnom Penh have promised further cooperation in law enforcement, security and industry.

New Cambodian PM Hun Manet to visit China and meet President Xi Jinping

Chinese foreign ministry says Beijing looks to chart a course for the next stage of cooperation between the two nations.

China, Vietnam reaffirm pledge on South China Sea ‘code of conduct’

Pledges on ‘guiding the settlement of sea-related issues’ follow high-profile visit to China by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Why China gives Africa’s leaders the red-carpet treatment

Often snubbed in the West, African officials are feted during visits to Beijing, giving them an opportunity to secure mega-project funding and debt deals, but observers say China is increasingly conservative in its promises.

New Zealand PM disagrees with Biden, says Xi not a ‘dictator’

Hipkins, who is heading to Beijing this week, said he doesn’t believe the Chinese leader was a dictator.

Be ready for ‘worst-case’ scenarios: China’s Xi sounds national security alert

Comments show China harbours no ‘illusions’ about the fallout of its rivalry with the US and has little hope of a lasting improvement in ties, analysts say.

China rolls out red carpet for Brazil’s President Lula, pledging to elevate ties

Xi Jinping welcomes his Brazilian counterpart to the Chinese capital, saying relations are a diplomatic priority.

In meeting with Macron, Xi Jinping calls for political solution in Ukraine

Chinese president tells French counterpart their countries can overcome differences and constraints to develop their relations and ‘maintain world peace, stability and prosperity’.

War in Ukraine to headline Macron-Xi talks on French president’s China trip

The head of the European Commission will also be in the Chinese capital but there is no hope of reviving an investment agreement.

China and Singapore to upgrade ties, paving way for hi-tech cooperation

Both countries reaffirm their relationship and pledge to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Exclusive | Xi is relying more on lieutenants to forge ties with China’s political elites