In her first live television interview, the Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand said it is in Aotearoa's interest to see Hong Kong return to "prosperity" while criticising the United States for "supporting violence" in the city.

Wu Xi began her tenure as China's top diplomat in New Zealand in April 2018 and says the relationship between the two countries is "very good", citing strong trade and tourism numbers. China is New Zealand's largest trading partner with two-way trade valued over NZ$28 billion.

Speaking to The AM Show in her first live television interview, Wu said New Zealand and China have differences, but those were outweighed by common interests.

"Our leaders are very much committed to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries. They reached the consensus during Prime Minister [Jacinda] Ardern's visit to China," Wu said.

"What is important is our two countries respect each other [and] have frequent exchanges while dealing with those differences."

One area of tension recently has been the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong - which is part of China but autonomous with its own leadership.

Protests in the city were prompted by the introduction of legislation that would allow those in the city to be extradited to mainland China for trial. While the Bill is no longer being progressed in Hong Kong, demonstrations - which have become violent - continue against Beijing's influence in the city.

An investigation was launched at the University of Auckland after a Hong Konger in support of the protests was shoved to the ground by a mainland Chinese student.