A senior Papua New Guinea government MP, William Duma, says his country's future lies with China and the rest of Asia.
William Duma Photo: Prime Minister's Media Office
This comes as Mr Duma commended prime minister James Marape on his request for Chinese assistance in restructuring PNG's debt.
Mr Marape yesterday revealed that consultations are expected to begin to engage Chinese assistance for re-financing his government's US$7.7 billion debt.
Mr Duma said PNG leaders should work with countries who are genuine about helping PNG achieve its development goals.
He said Asian countries, starting with China, do not worry about the size of a country or how wealthy it is, but give prominence to people-to-people relationships.
Mr Duma points out that PNG competes with Australia to export its gas to Asian markets.
According to him, he is neither pro-China or pro-Australia, but rather pro-Papua New Guinea.