Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Peter O'Neill, prime minister of Papua New Guinea, in Beijing, capital of China, July 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)
Papua New Guinea (PNG) said on Thursday that it respected China's position on the South China Sea issue and supported consultation between parties directly concerned.
PNG upholds that relevant maritime disputes should be peacefully resolved by parties directly concerned through consultation and negotiation and in accordance with international law, according to a joint press release between China and the PNG, issued after the meeting between President Xi Jinping and visiting PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill at the Great Hall of the People.
China reiterated its principled position on the South China Sea issue and stressed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, its legitimate and lawful rights and interests in the South China Sea, and its right to independently choose the means of dispute settlement in accordance with law, the press release said.
O'Neill kicked off his week-long official visit to China on Tuesday. Besides Beijing, he will attend the Eco Forum Global in Guiyang in southwestern China and visit Shenzhen.
