Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Huang Runqiu concluded a three-day visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), marking the Pacific nation's 50th independence anniversary and reinforcing bilateral cooperation. As Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang's participation underscores China's commitment to deepening ties with resource-rich PNG amid growing global interest in the Asia-Pacific region.
During high-level meetings with PNG Governor-General Bob Dadae and Prime Minister James Marape, Huang emphasized the 'strategic guidance' of both nations' leaders in achieving what he described as 'fruitful results' across multiple cooperation areas. The visit comes as both countries prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
'Our comprehensive strategic partnership continues to break new ground,' Huang stated, highlighting environmental cooperation alongside traditional economic collaboration. PNG officials reaffirmed their adherence to the one-China principle while expressing gratitude for China's support in infrastructure and social development projects.
The discussions signal potential new opportunities for investors eyeing PNG's mineral resources and China's green technology sector. Academics note the visit's timing coincides with increased great-power competition in the Pacific, making sustained China-PNG cooperation crucial for regional stability.
