BANGKOK, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China does not target a third party nor has any intentions in geopolitical competitions when it develops friendly relations with Pacific island countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday.
China stands ready to forge a higher-level and more mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership with Papua New Guinea (PNG), which will play a leading and exemplary role in building an even closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific island countries, Xi said in meeting with PNG Prime Minister James Marape on the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Xi stressed that China is willing to work with PNG to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, explore cooperation in such areas as agriculture, forestry and fisheries, infrastructure, construction of special economic zones, disaster prevention and relief, as well as green development, and expand imports of advantageous products from PNG, adding that China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in PNG and conduct cooperation there.
For his part, Marape said he was delighted to see Xi's election as general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
PNG will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy, and support China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said, adding that the country will stay committed to deepening cooperation with China in such fields as economy and trade, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges with China between youths, on education and in other areas.
The prime minister said PNG welcomes more Chinese enterprises for investment and cooperation.
No force can stop PNG from further developing its relations with China, he added.
