The Chinese armed forces is willing to further deepen exchanges and cooperation with the army of Papua New Guinea (PNG), said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Thursday.

In his talks with PNG Defense Minister Matthew Gubag, Cao said Sino-PNG relations have developed smoothly in recent years. The two countries maintained frequent high-level exchanges, enhanced mutual trust and friendship, and kept sound cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, and sports and culture.

Cao said bilateral military ties constitutes an important part of overall Sino-PNG relations, adding the relations between two armed forces has been advanced over the years.

China holds positive attitude towards further developing military relations with PNG, and is ready to deepen the exchanges and cooperation between the two armed forces, Cao said.

He also briefed the PNG guests about China's economic development and its principled stance on Taiwan issue.

Gubag expressed appreciation for the long-term assistance China offered to PNG. He said the PNG armed forces hope to further deepen the bilateral military ties and expand cooperation in the defense field.

He stressed the PNG government firmly pursues the one-China policy.

Source: Xinhua