Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has firmly rejected suggestions that Papua New Guinea’s reaffirmation of its One China Policy was the result of political pressure or economic coercion, describing such claims as inaccurate and a misunderstanding of Papua New Guinea’s sovereign foreign policy.
The Prime Minister was responding to recent remarks by Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung regarding Papua New Guinea’s decision to close Taiwan’s representative office and reaffirm its longstanding recognition of the People’s Republic of China.
“Papua New Guinea is an independent and sovereign nation. Our foreign policy is determined by our national interests and by decisions made through our constitutional processes—not by pressure from any external power,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Our Government has maintained a One China Policy since 1976. This has been the consistent position of successive governments for nearly five decades and remains the official policy of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.”
Prime Minister Marape said Cabinet had carefully deliberated on the matter before reaffirming the Government’s position.
“This is a conscious Government policy decision. It reflects Papua New Guinea’s long-established foreign policy and our commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“We recognise the Government of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing as the sole legitimate Government of China. We also recognise and respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, just as we expect all nations to respect Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea has no intention of becoming involved in the cross-Strait dispute between Beijing and Taipei.
“The issues between Beijing and Taipei are matters for those directly concerned to resolve peacefully. Papua New Guinea does not intend to become entangled in issues that fall outside our jurisdiction or our national interests.”
Prime Minister Marape rejected assertions that Papua New Guinea’s decision resulted from coercion.
“To suggest that Papua New Guinea has acted under pressure is to underestimate our independence as a nation. We made this decision because it is consistent with our own national interests, our foreign policy principles and our long-standing diplomatic position.”
He noted that China is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Russia.
“As a country that places great importance on the international rules-based order, Papua New Guinea recognises the important role played by the permanent members of the Security Council, particularly on matters relating to sovereignty and international peace and security.
“As a sovereign state ourselves, we cannot adopt double standards when it comes to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.”
Responding to comments that Taiwan may review imports of Papua New Guinea’s liquefied natural gas,
Prime Minister Marape said commercial decisions rest with the parties to existing contracts.
“If Taiwan chooses to review its commercial arrangements, including LNG purchases, that is entirely a matter for Taiwan and the contracting parties. Existing contracts are governed by commercial and legal obligations.
“Papua New Guinea will not be intimidated by suggestions of economic retaliation for exercising our sovereign right to determine our own foreign policy.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea remains confident in the strength and diversity of its export markets.
“During my bilateral discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, I received assurances that China stands ready to expand imports of Papua New Guinea’s products, including LNG, agricultural produce, fisheries products, timber and other exports.
“China is one of the world’s largest economies and an important trading partner. Papua New Guinea will continue to diversify its export markets while maintaining positive economic relationships with all countries.”
The Prime Minister stressed that Papua New Guinea values its friendship with all economies, including Taiwan, but said foreign policy decisions cannot be dictated by commercial considerations.
“We respect the people of Taiwan and acknowledge the longstanding people-to-people and commercial interactions that have existed over the years. However, sovereign foreign policy decisions must always be based on the national interest, not on the prospect of economic reward or the fear of economic consequences.
“Our foreign policy is made in Port Moresby, through our own constitutional institutions and in accordance with Papua New Guinea’s national interests.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea remains committed to constructive engagement with all international partners while maintaining its longstanding One China Policy.
“Our position is clear, principled and unchanged. Papua New Guinea will continue to uphold the One China Policy while maintaining friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect, peaceful cooperation and our shared commitment to international law.”