In 2021，despite of the limits and inconveniences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures to contain the spreading of the pandemic，both governmental and societal actors from China and New Zealand，actively pursued to the further development of the bilateral relationship. In contrast to the global declining trend of international trade，the sum of annual trade between China and New Zealand in 2021 even beat the years before the pandemic. Two sides signed the protocol to upgrade their FTA，and they also closely communicated and cooperated on many multilateral occasions like APEC. However，New Zealand also criticized China on some issues and caused negative effects on the bilateral relations，which revealed the differences and challenges the two sides will have to deal with prudently. Eventually，the call between President Xi and Prime minister Ardern in November 2021 highlighted the importance of strategic communication and careful management of the differences，and the two leaders reaffirmed the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand.