Papua New Guinea's prime minister has expressed his country's respect for China's position on disputed claims in the South China Sea issue.
Peter O'Neill has this week on a state visit to China where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill addresses the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference in the Chinese city of Guiyang. Photo: PNG PM Media Office
A resulting joint press release asserted China's "legitimate and lawful rights and interest in the South China Sea, and its right to independently choose the means of dispute settlement in accordance with law"
It said PNG respected China's position and upheld that maritime disputes in the region should be peacefully resolved through consultation between parties directly concerned, under international law.
Pacific countries have been part of the focus of a diplomatic and publicity blitz by China to rally support for its sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea.
In May, Vanuatu's government issued a statement saying it understood and supported China's position.
Meanwhile, PNG and China have agreed on co-operation in a number of areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, forestry, fishery, energy, tourism and to strengthen cooperation in mineral exploration.
Documents signed between the two government include a loan facilities for PNG's National Submarine Fiber Cable Network Project, as well as the Lae Tidal Basin Industrial Development Project.
As well as visiting Beijing, Mr O'Neill attended the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference in Guiyang in southwestern China.
While addressing the conference, he extended sympathies to China following devastating floods over the past week that have claimed hundreds of lives.
"This disaster in China is a current and very real example of the damage caused when we allow the climate of our planet to change, and is another wakeup call for all of us around the world," he said.
"We have to step up our efforts to bring about a green development revolution, to unify our knowledge and to take action together.
"If we do not do this, the world we leave for our children will be in a very sad state."
The PNG prime minister has committed his government to being part of China's efforts to strengthen its development of a "Maritime Silk Road' trade route system across the Asia Pacific region.
