# Christopher Luxon to travel to China for Apec summit ahead of special vote count

> Prime Minister Christopher Luxon heads to China for Apec summit as New Zealand waits for special vote results.
- Title: Christopher Luxon to travel to China for Apec summit ahead of…
- Summary: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon heads to China for Apec summit as New Zealand waits for special vote results.
- Keywords: christopher luxon, trade minister todd mcclay, apec summit, shenzhen, november 18, november 19, special votes, election results, electoral commission, november 27, caretaker government, national party
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-to-travel-to-china-for-apec-summit-ahead-of-special-vote-count/SUTCNNCTARET7JA675MSU3VXIA
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: christopher luxon, trade minister todd mcclay, apec summit, shenzhen, november 18, november 19, special votes, election results, electoral commission, november 27, caretaker government, national party
## Luxon and McClay travel to China
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay will travel to China next week for an Apec summit meeting.
## Apec summit dates
The meeting takes place in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19, 2026.
## Luxon's purpose for trip
Luxon stated the meeting provides an opportunity to advocate for practical steps that make trade easier and less costly.
## Trade significance
Apec economies purchase 75% of New Zealand’s exports and China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner.
## Foreign Minister Peters' trip
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will attend the East Asia Summit in Manila, Philippines from November 16 to 17.
## Caretaker government context
Luxon’s office confirmed New Zealand’s participation aligns with caretaker government conventions between elected governments.
## Election outcome uncertainty
Special votes could change the election outcome as results are yet to be counted.
## Final count timeline
The Electoral Commission expects to publish the final count including special votes by November 27, 2026.
## Luxon's statement
Luxon said high-level meetings bring together leaders and ministers from across the Indo-Pacific to discuss security and prosperity issues.
## Opposition consultation
Luxon stated the Opposition was being consulted about the caretaker government arrangements.
## Election night context
On election night, Luxon appeared likely to be re-elected Prime Minister in a coalition with Act and New Zealand First.
## Special votes definition
Special votes are those mainly cast overseas or outside a voter’s electorate.
## Election outcome uncertainty
Special votes could change the election outcome as results are yet to be counted.
## Final count timeline
The Electoral Commission expects to publish the final count including special votes by November 27, 2026.
## Luxon's statement
Luxon said high-level meetings bring together leaders and ministers from across the Indo-Pacific to discuss security and prosperity issues.
## Key takeaway

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to China for an Apec summit meeting ahead of the final election count that includes special votes.