At the invitation of Commodore Peter Ilau, commander of Defense Force of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Chen Bingde, member of the Central Military Commission and chief of general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), arrived in PNG on October 20 to pay a good-will visit. On October 21, Chen Bingde met with Bob Dadae, PNG defense minister, and held formal talks with Peter Ilau.

　　Chen Bingde said that China holds that all nations, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community. China regards PNG as a good friend and a good partner in the Pacific island-nation region. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the bilateral relations have obtained significant development and maintained good development momentum especially since the launch of military exchange programs of the two sides 10 years ago. The chief of general staff of the Chinese PLA and commander of defense force of PNG realized mutual visit this year for the first time, which helps to further deepen mutual understanding, solidify friendship and develop cooperation. The Chinese side is willing to work together with the PNG side to make unceasing efforts for boosting the friendly cooperative ties between the two countries and the two militaries.

　　Bob Dadae said that the PNG side highly cherishes the political and defense relations with China. The visit of the Chinese high-level military delegation symbolizes that the defense relations between the two countries have ushered into a new historical stage. The PNG side held that China’s development had brought a hard-won opportunity for the development of PNG and its military.

　　Peter Ilau said that the PNG side is sincerely grateful to China for the aided projects including the construction of a military hospital. The PNG side will unswervingly adhere to one-China policy as it did in the past.