DEPUTY Prime Minister John Rosso has congratulated the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China on the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and China.
Speaking at a reception on Tuesday, hosted by Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Yang Shaoning, Mr Rosso said China’s remarkable development transformation since 1949 reflected the vision, leadership and resilience of the Chinese people.
He said the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between PNG and China on October 12, 1976, had grown into a strong and enduring partnership based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and practical cooperation.
“Papua New Guinea reaffirms its continued adherence to the One-China Policy and appreciates China’s ongoing support to our development priorities,” Rosso said.
He highlighted China’s contribution to PNG through cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, healthcare, education, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges.
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso said projects such as the Independence Boulevard and Butuka Academy, together with the introduction of Juncao technology in rural communities, demonstrated the practical benefits of PNG–China development cooperation.
He also acknowledged China’s support to PNG during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and ongoing public health challenges.
On trade and investment, Rosso said China remained PNG’s largest trading partner and an important partner across key sectors including education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and the resource sector.
He also highlighted Prime Minister James Marape’s July 2026 visit to Guangdong Province, where a high-level PNG delegation engaged with Chinese industries and promoted investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea.
“The visit generated strong interest from prospective investors and demonstrated the opportunities available to deepen our economic partnership,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said PNG looked forward to further strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China through greater cooperation in trade, investment, education, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and institutional capacity building.
“May the friendship between Papua New Guinea and China continue to grow from strength to strength, delivering tangible benefits to our two peoples,” Rosso said.