China to continue firm mutual support with PNG on issues concerning each other's core interests: foreign ministry

BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to reports that the PNG government announced the decision to close the Taipei economic office on July 15.

China highly appreciates the decision, Lin said, adding that it once again indicates that adhering to the one-China principle is the common aspiration and general trend of the international community.

China is willing to work with PNG to jointly promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Lin added.