1.Political relations

Chinaand PapuaGuineaestablished diplomatic relations onOctober 12, 1976.Since then, the relations between the two countries have developed rapidly.In recent years, the main top-level mutual visits between the two countries have included: those who have made visits to Papua New Guinea respectively from China are Li Ruihuan, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, (in November 2001); Raidi, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress (in April 2003); Zhang Wenkang, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government and Minister of Health, (in September 2000); Wang Guangya, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in March 2001); Sun Zhenyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (March 2001) and Liu Jian, Vice Minister of Agriculture, (in October 2001).Those who have visited China respectively from Papua New Guinea are Mekere Morauta, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, (in May 2001); Bernard Mullu Narokobi, Speaker, (in May 2000; Michael Ogio, Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Forestry, (in September 2001); Sir Michael Somare, the present Prime Minister, (in October 1999 as Foreign Minister and in September 2001 as Leader of Opposition); Ron Ganarafo, Minister of Fishery, (in May 2000); John Kaputin, Foreign Minister (in August 2000); Hon. Kilroy Genia, Minister of Defence (in July 2001) and Tomscoll, Minister of Health (in March 2002).

During the informal leadership meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation held inAucklandandShanghairespectively in September 1999 and October 2001, President Jiang Zemin met with Mekere Morauta, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

In October 2002, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea, while attending the ministerial meeting of the APEC organization.In February 2003, while attending the 13thSummit Conference of the Non-aligned Movement, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya met with Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea.

There is a mechanism of consultation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.So far eight consultations have been conducted.The ninth consultation will be held inPapua New Guineabefore the end of the year.

There are three pairs of friendly provinces or cities between the two countries.

2.Economic and trade relations

Papua New GuineaisChina's largest trade partner among the island countries in the South Pacific.In 2000, the total volume of the bilateral trade was US$225 million.In 2001, it was US$142 million. And in 2002, it was US$187 million, a year-on-year growth of 32.1%, of whichChina's export volume was US$27.25 million and its import volume US$160 million.China's main imports fromPapua New Guineaare crude oil and wood.The main commodities exported fromChinatoPapua New Guineaare textiles, garments, shoes, light industrial products, and mechanical and electrical products.

3.Cultural and educational relations

From 1986 to 1998, the Government of Papua New Guinea sent a total of seven students to study inChina.In 1996, a Chinese acrobatic group visitedPapua New Guinea.In 2000, the Acrobatic Troupe of Ji'nan City, Shandong Province visitedPapua New Guinea.