A spokesperson for Prime Minister John Key says it appears increasingly likely that China will lend its support to New Zealand's bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Mr Key announced in a speech to the UN General Assembly last year that the country's intention to seek one of the 10 non-permanent seats on the council in 2015.
During a three-day visit to New Zealand last week, Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping held private talks with Mr Key at Government House.
A spokesperson for Mr Key said while China's backing "cannot be confirmed at this stage, it is looking positive".
