Xi Jinping

His early arrival signifies his maiden visit to PNG, and that of any President of China.

Today, the President has a full schedule, starting with an official visit to the Parliament House to meet with Governor General Sir Bob Dadae.

At about 10:30 today, the President was met with a Guard of Honour provided by the First Battalion, Pacific Islands Regiment.

After the Review of the Parade, President Xi was met by Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat before he and Sir Bob Dadae commenced meeting.

President Xi is expected to touch down at the Jackson’s International Airport at about 8pm.

Often described as China's “paramount leader”, President Xi is traveling to PNG ahead of the APEC Leaders’ meeting from Nov 17 to 18 in Port Moresby.

His early arrival marks the first ever state visit by a President of China to Papua New Guinea.

President Xi will also meet with visiting Pacific Island leaders attending the Summit; countries that have diplomatic ties with China.

China became a member of the AEPC in 1991, while PNG joined in 1993.

Chinese media organisation, Xinhua, reports that in his message, President Jingping said remarkable progress has been witnessed since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.

Peter O’Neill travelled to China early this year and met with President Jingping, where they both reiterated the need to consolidate and develop their strategic partnership based on mutual respect and joint development.

This took place on Friday.

"The question now is: Are words followed by action?" Obama said, standing alongside Xi at a White House news conference.

The ceremony for the Chinese leader looks similar to the one the White House held Wednesday for Pope Francis, but with a few notable exceptions.