China stands ready to continue to work with Papua New Guinea to expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation, and promote common development, said Mao Ning, spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry, on Monday.

Mao made the remarks in response to an AFP report saying that Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has reportedly promised to tread carefully with Belt and Road infrastructure funding from China.

Mao noted that Papua New Guinea has signed a memorandum of understanding and a cooperation plan with China to jointly construct BRI projects, playing a leading and exemplary role in building the Belt and Road between China and Pacific island countries.

China established its first overseas Juncao technology demonstration base in Papua New Guinea in 2001. Juncao, which literally means "mushroom" and "grass," can be used as livestock feed or as a green barrier to stop desertification.

So far, Juncao technology has been deployed in eight provinces and 16 districts in Papua New Guinea, and Jucao industry has become the second pillar industry after coffee.