Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said signing an air service agreement with China was a top priority for his visit to Beijing next week.
Speaking following his meeting with Jacinda Ardern, Salwai said he would also be discussing Vanuatu's future involvement in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
"So maybe some issues around how we can get support assistance to build our infrastructure in Vanuatu. When I say infrastructure, it's not only roads, it's not only wharfs, it's not only telecommunications infrastrcutrue...it's also health and education."
Charlot Salwai said while Vanuatu would prefer grants, it won't stop seeking loans from China to achieve its development goals.
He is meeting China's top leaders during a week-long official visit to the country next week.
China's foreign ministry says both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang will meet with Mr Salwai.