China is very concerned about the situation in the landslide-stricken areas in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and will provide assistance within its capacity for disaster relief and post-disaster construction, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
At around 3:00 local time on Friday (1700 GMT Thursday), a massive landslide crushed Kaokalam village in Enga province, located over 600 km northwest of PNG's capital Port Moresby.
The country's National Disaster Center (NDC) has confirmed that more than 2,000 people were buried alive after the disaster occurred.
"China is very concerned about the heavy casualties caused by the landslide in Enga Province of Papua New Guinea. We express our sincere condolences to the victims, to their families, and to those affected by the disaster. President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolence to Governor-General Bob Dadae. China will provide assistance within its capacity to Papua New Guinea's disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction based on its needs. We believe that the people of Papua New Guinea will be able to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homeland at an early date," said Mao.
China to provide help within capacity to PNG landslide areas: spokeswoman
China to provide help within capacity to PNG landslide areas: spokeswoman
China to provide help within capacity to PNG landslide areas: spokeswoman
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
