A belief the Prime Minister's upcoming trip to see the Chinese President is coming at a critical time

Chris Luxon's travelling to China on Tuesday, for a visit he says will focus on growing trade, strengthening education and tourism links, and maximising business opportunities.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark says the trip can't focus just on trade.

She says Mr Luxon will need to send a balanced signal, given our Government's moves back towards a US military alliance.

Ms Clark says it's a very important relationship to New Zealand, but we can't be puppets to anybody, including the US.