China is expected to expand its ties with Pacific Island countries on the sidelines of this week's APEC summit in Papua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (L) shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping in June. Photo: AFP or licensors
Prior to the APEC summit President Xi Jinping is to host a meeting in Port Moresby with Beijing's diplomatic allies in the Pacific.
Zheng Zeguang, the vice-minister of China's foreign ministry, says Mr Xi will also announce "important measures for further cooperation with island nations".
He said everyone should join together to help island nations and abandon a cold war mentality.
The vice-minister said China wasn't targeting any third parties with its aid in the region and should not be interfered with.
