PAPUA NEW GUINEA

China's assistance to Pacific island countries is part of South-South cooperation, and is characterized by sincerity and selflessness, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday during a meeting in Beijing with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape.

Xi said that in conducting such assistance, China does not attach political conditions or seek exclusive rights, nor does it impose its will on others or make empty promises.

The nation fully respects the will and actual needs of Pacific island countries, and will continue to deepen cooperation with them and help them pursue long-term economic and social development, he added.

China appreciates Papua New Guinea's adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns, he said, adding that China firmly supports Papua New Guinea in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Noting that Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific island country to sign a memorandum of understanding and a cooperation plan for jointly building the Belt and Road with China, Xi said that construction of projects such as the Independence Boulevard in Port Moresby and the Butuka Academy have made positive progress, playing a leading and exemplary role in promoting cooperation between China and Pacific island countries in joint construction of the Belt and Road.

China is willing to continue to develop high-quality cooperation with Papua New Guinea on the BRI, share the development opportunities brought by Chinese-style modernization, align the development strategies of the two countries, strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, clean energy, climate change and other fields, and help Papua New Guinea achieve industrialization and modernization, he said.

Marape said that Papua New Guinea firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

Noting that strengthening cooperation with China is not only significant for Papua New Guinea but also for the world, he said the nation will continue to work with China to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between South Pacific island countries and China for a better future.

CAO DESHENG