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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

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 29. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

While several deals were struck on the UK prime minister’s trip, the most important outcome is the willingness of the leaders of both countries to work constructively together.

31 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

China-South Korea relations

Li Qiang and Lee Jae Myung back free trade and multilateralism in Beijing talks

6 Jan 2026 - 8:19PMvideocam

China-South Korea relations

South Korea’s Lee to ‘push denuclearisation, end to culture ban’ in China

2 Jan 2026 - 11:38PMvideocam

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

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-France relations

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

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

3 Dec 2025 - 8:15PMvideocam

New Zealand

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

Zhao is in Australia after four-day trip to New Zealand, the first such visits by China’s top lawmaker since 2005.

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

Zhao Leji meets state media employees on Wednesday a day after missing the NPC closing session due to ill health. Photo: CCTV

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

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

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, delivers a work report of the NPC Standing Committee at the second plenary meeting of the second session of the 14th NPC. Photo: Xinhua

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-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

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcome ceremony in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

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

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 President Joe Biden with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the 2022 G20 summit in Bali. Photo: Reuters

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

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Zhao Leji

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

While several deals were struck on the UK prime minister’s trip, the most important outcome is the willingness of the leaders of both countries to work constructively together.

Li Qiang and Lee Jae Myung back free trade and multilateralism in Beijing talks

South Korea’s Lee to ‘push denuclearisation, end to culture ban’ in China

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

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

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

Zhao is in Australia after four-day trip to New Zealand, the first such visits by China’s top lawmaker since 2005.

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.

Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

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