Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reiterated Papua New Guinea’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy while calling for stronger economic, trade, investment and educational cooperation with the People’s Republic of China.

Prime Minister Marape made the remarks today during a meeting with Mr Chen Xiaodong, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), in Port Moresby.

The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea had proudly maintained its One-China Policy since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1976 and would continue to uphold this longstanding national position.

“Almost 50 years ago, Papua New Guinea adopted the One-China Policy, and we have maintained that policy proudly ever since,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“We are friends of China, and we will never compromise our One-China Policy. The seven Prime Ministers before me have respected this position, and I am confident future Prime Ministers will continue to do so.”

Prime Minister Marape thanked China for its longstanding friendship, development assistance and respect for Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and independent foreign policy.

He said his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would focus on expanding economic relations, particularly trade, investment, agriculture, energy, mining and infrastructure development.

“My focus is on building an economic relationship that will last for generations. We want more Chinese investors coming into Papua New Guinea, creating employment, producing goods locally and exporting to China and other international markets,” he said.

The Prime Minister identified rice production, fisheries, coffee, livestock, mineral processing and energy development as priority areas for Chinese investment.

He also called for progress towards the establishment of Bank of China commercial operations in PNG and reciprocal visa-on-arrival arrangements to facilitate greater business, investment and tourism exchanges.

“These are the kinds of initiatives that can transform our economic relationship for generations,” he said.

CHINESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION FOR PNG SCHOOLS

Prime Minister Marape requested Chinese Government assistance to introduce Mandarin language education as an optional subject in Papua New Guinea’s schools, particularly for students from Grades 7 to 12.

He emphasised that learning Mandarin would be voluntary, giving interested students the opportunity to acquire additional language skills and gain a greater understanding of Chinese culture and history.

“I want our children to have the option of learning Mandarin, Chinese culture and history so they can better understand China and appreciate the relationship between our two countries,” he said.

“This will be an optional subject for students who wish to learn. We want to provide our children with more educational opportunities and prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.”

“You and I will not be here forever. We must prepare the next generation. My focus is not just on the next election, but on the next generation.”

He praised China’s support for Butuka Academy in Port Moresby as an example of successful educational cooperation.

Mr Chen welcomed the proposal and indicated China’s support for further discussions through Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang.

CHINA OUTLINES PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

During the meeting, Mr Chen outlined China’s continued development assistance to PNG, noting that more than 80 projects had been completed over nearly five decades of diplomatic relations.

He highlighted several priority projects under discussion, including:

• Investment in clean, green solar energy;

• The National Telecommunications Network project;

• Renovation of the International Convention Centre;

• Further modernisation of the National Broadcasting Corporation’s digital television services;

• A proposed comprehensive diagnosis and treatment centre at Port Moresby General Hospital; and

• Additional education, health, renewable energy and community infrastructure projects.

Mr Chen said China was progressing technical assessments, feasibility studies and approval processes for several projects.

Prime Minister Marape welcomed the assistance but directed that projects involving concessional loans be carefully assessed by the Department of Treasury to ensure consistency with the Government’s commitment to achieving a balanced budget in 2027.

“We are working towards a balanced budget next year. We must ensure that any new borrowing is carefully managed and does not compromise our fiscal objectives,” he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of modernising NBC to ensure reliable information reached communities throughout the country.

He further assured Chinese and other foreign investors that his Government was strengthening security arrangements to protect legitimate businesses and encourage greater investment.

Mr Chen reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development priorities and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Marape concluded by saying the future of PNG-China relations must be anchored in economic cooperation, education, trade and stronger people-to-people connections.

“Political leaders will come and go, but the relationships between our people, our businesses and our future generations must remain strong,” he said.

“We welcome more Chinese investment, more trade and more opportunities for our people. Our friendship with China is longstanding, and we want it to grow even stronger.”