Chinese media has sent a stern warning to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to not raise South China Sea issues during his two-day visit to China, adding that the move will jeopardize trade ties between the two countries.

"Key should be reminded that New Zealand is an absolute outsider in the dispute and not a concerned party, and that any attempt by Wellington to break its promise not to take sides on the issue would risk complicating the flourishing trade ties between China and New Zealand," a Xinhua editorial said.

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However, Key shrugged off this warning by Chinese media. Speaking to reporters in New Zealand ahead of his visit, Key said he will take these critical views "with a grain of salt."

"I take it all with a grain of salt, there are many opinions out there. But New Zealand's position on the South China Sea hasn't changed, it's been consistent and we consistently raise that message with the Chinese leadership," Key told reporters.   

Key added that New Zealand's stance will not jeopardize the signing the of Free Trade Agreement (FTA), sayin that trade ties between Wellington and Beijing are fundamentally strong and deep.    

Key will start his two-day visit to China starting today after arriving in Beijing on Sunday evening.   

Foreign experts in New Zealand called on Key to follow tactful diplomacy during his visit to China. This will allow Key to raise South China Sea issues with Beijing, but without risking any complication on the front of economic and trade issues.    

New Zealand's foreign policy in recent months has tilted towards the US side over the issue of disputed territories, much to the dismay of Beijing. New Zealand and Australia have been issuing several warnings to China after Beijing stepped up military and construction activities around artificial islands in the South China Sea.

Tagschina, new zealand, John Key, South China Sea