NPC Chairman Li Peng Meets PNG Parliament Speaker

NPC Chairman Li Peng Meets Papua New Guinean Parliament Speaker

Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), expressed on Monday appreciation and thanks to the government and parliament of Papua New Guinea (PNG) for their one-China policy.

Li told Bernard Narokobi, speaker of the PNG National Parliament, that he highly valued Narokobi's contribution to opposing the so-called diplomatic relationship between his country and Taiwan, which was initiated by the former government of Papua New Guinea.

The Chinese Government and people uphold that a peaceful reunification of the motherland should be realized under the pre-condition of One China. The government is making vigorous efforts to achieve this, Li said in Beijing.

"We are firmly opposed to any attempt to split the motherland by Taiwan separatists," Li stressed. "We are convinced that this principled stand will continue to be backed by the people of Papua New Guinea and other countries around the world," Li said.

"We sincerely hope that the government and parliament of Papua New Guinea will continue to uphold the principle set in the communique on establishing bilateral diplomatic relations, and will not develop official relations with Taiwan," Li said.

Narokobi expressed thanks to China for its help in many aspects, and reiterated his country's stand of upholding one-China policy. He said Papua New Guinea has always acknowledged China's sovereignty and jurisdiction over all of its territories including Taiwan.

The speaker asked Li to visit his country sometime in the future, and Li accepted his invitation.

Narokobi arrived in Beijing Monday on a week-long visit to China.