Toropo corrects statement made to Australian media

DEFENCE Force commander Major-General Gilbert Toropo has corrected a statement he purportedly made to the Australian media regarding China’s growing presence in the region, saying PNG maintains a close relationship with Beijing.
He said the Defence Force had maintained strong military relations with China.
“I have met with the Chinese defence adviser and explained to him my comments in the (Australian) media,” Maj-Gen Toropo told The National yesterday.
“PNG’s position is that we remain close partners with China, as PNG benefits significantly (from it).”
His comments, based on the growing Chinese presence which he saw as a challenge to PNG’s security, related to the Australia-funded rehabilitation of the naval base in Lombrum, Manus.
Prime Minister James Marape said he was concerned by the ramifications of Toropo’s statement.
“(I) will be seeking a brief from Commander Toropo to explain or preferably retract the statement relating to China, attributed to him,” he said.
Marape said the People’s Republic of China remained a major development partner.
“This relationship remains strong since it was first entered into in 1975,” he said.
Marape said China provided “tangible outcomes for our development agenda, important investments and export markets for our primary goods”.
“Papua New Guinea continues to manage our relationships under the One-China Policy and the respect and goodwill is mutual,” he said.
“I do not perceive China as a security threat, but rather as an important development, investment and trade partner with shared values conducted under mutual friendship and understanding.”