New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman on Thursday met with senior Chinese General Zhao Keshi, a member of the Central Military Commission and Director of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Logistics Department.

"It is great to welcome General Zhao to New Zealand. He is the most senior Chinese official to visit this year across government, and the most senior People's Liberation Army visitor since 2010," Coleman said in a statement.

"General Zhao's visit complements the excellent relationship New Zealand has with China across a range of areas," he said.

"New Zealand's defense engagement with the PLA has been nurtured in recent years, along with our broader bilateral relationship. The NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) is keen to continue to build its engagement with the PLA."

A PLA Navy Task Force visited Auckland last week, reciprocating HMNZS Te Mana's port visits to Shanghai and Hong Kong earlier this year. In August, the NZDF hosted Australian, U.S. and Chinese military personnel for the first time for Exercise Phoenix Spirit, a humanitarian and disaster relief activity. 

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