It is also our fourth-ranked source of visitors, and the largest source of visitors from Asia. The bilateral relationship is close and warm at the political level, with frequent high-level interaction through bilateral visits and contacts in regional and international meetings. Trade access issues persist but are being managed through diplomatic channels. The intergovernmental relationship is underpinned by a wide range of non-governmental contacts through sister city links, educational and cultural exchanges and a working holiday scheme. China China is currently our sixth-ranked export destination and a critical market for wool.
Political relations are good and high-level political exchanges are increasing.
Political issues in the relationship which require careful management include New Zealand's dealings with Taiwan and our attitudes towards China's human rights policies and Tibet. New Zealand favours maximising China's participation in regional bodies and in international organisations. We have good working relations with China in APEC, the ARF and other regional and international bodies. Republic of Korea Relations with the Republic of Korea have developed rapidly during the 1990s especially in the trade and economic sphere. Despite the severe economic downturn it experienced in 1998, Korea is still our fifth-ranked export market.