In 1976, Robert Muldoon, then Prime Minister of New Zealand, set foot on the ancient and mysterious land of China. His visit marked a momentous chapter in the friendly exchanges between China and New Zealand.

　　For Muldoon, this visit to China held a special significance. At the time, foreign leaders visiting China eagerly aspired to have a meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong, and Muldoon was no exception. He was deeply moved and said, “I feel greatly honored to have had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Mao. He is the principal helmsman and architect of modern China. It was an unforgettable experience to exchange views with him.”

　　Muldoon’s journey to the Great Wall was the highlight of his trip. As a great architecture of ancient China, the Great Wall embodies the history and pride of the Chinese nation. Muldoon had long heard the Chinese proverb, “Seeing is believing.” He eventually had the chance to climb the Great Wall and experience the allure of this human marvel firsthand.

　　The Badaling Great Wall, located in Yanqing District of Beijing, is the best-preserved, most unique, and grandest section of all existing sections of the Great Wall.

　　On April 30, 1976, standing at the foot of the Badaling Great Wall, Muldoon and his entourage were awestruck by the majestic sight before them. The ancient walls meandered through the mountains, rising steadily along the bricks. Each step seemed to echo with the weight of history.

　　Ascending the Great Wall and gazing far into the distance, the rolling mountains form a breathtaking view. Every brick and stone of the Wall bore the wisdom and diligence of the Chinese nation, offering Muldoon a profound sense of the resilience and remarkable creativity of the Chinese. Today, the people on both sides of the Great Wall are living in peace and prosperity, and they’re safeguarding the Wall as they would do with their own home. Many have become patrollers and volunteers, dedicating to preserving the Great Wall’s heritage, sharing its stories, and ensuring that this treasure of the Chinese nation continues to endure and evolve.

　　Muldoon remarked, “In Beijing, I have witnessed China’s long history and its profound cultural heritage. Your country is beautiful, your people hospitable, and your contributions to humanity’s progress in many fields will forever remain in my cherished memories.”

　　Prime Minister Muldoon’s visit to the Great Wall and Beijing were not only personal encounters with Chinese history and culture but also profound testimonies to the enduring friendship between China and New Zealand. Despite the geographical distance, the two nations are closely connected at heart. Prime Minister Muldoon’s visit laid a stronger foundation for the friendship between the two countries, allowing the tree of China-New Zealand friendship to grow ever more vibrant and fruitful.