Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s longstanding relationship with the People’s Republic of China, describing China as a valued development and economic partner.
Prime Minister Marape made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with the Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs of the Chinese Government, His Excellency Qian Bo, on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau, on Wednesday.
The two leaders discussed PNG–China relations, trade and investment, liquefied natural gas exports, preparations for the forthcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and regional issues affecting the Pacific.
“China is a welcome friend of Papua New Guinea, as it has always been,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We value our relationship with China and will continue working to strengthen cooperation between our two countries and our leadership.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the One-China policy and respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The highest level of respect we can give another nation is to acknowledge its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
“Our position is consistent, and there will be no reversal. Papua New Guinea will continue to honour its commitments and conduct its foreign relations in accordance with our Constitution and national interests.”
Prime Minister Marape recalled his previous discussions with President Xi Jinping and said he looked forward to further strengthening bilateral relations when the two leaders meet during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.
He welcomed China’s continuing interest in purchasing Papua New Guinea’s liquefied natural gas and other exports, saying expanded trade would bring lasting benefits to the people of both countries.
The Chinese Special Envoy assured Prime Minister Marape that China remained committed to its undertakings and was prepared to increase imports from Papua New Guinea, including LNG, as production and export capacity expanded.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea wanted its relationship with China to move beyond government-to-government engagement and generate greater opportunities in investment, downstream processing, energy, infrastructure and access to the Chinese market.
“Our relationship must produce practical results for our people through trade, investment, employment and economic growth,” he said.
The Prime Minister also raised the importance of protecting the Pacific Ocean from military activities and testing that could threaten its environment and the security of Pacific communities.
He said Papua New Guinea’s position was not directed against any particular country but applied equally to all nations operating in the region.
“The Pacific Ocean belongs to all of us. It provides our food, supports our livelihoods and connects our countries,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We ask all nations—regardless of who they are—to respect our ocean and help us preserve it as a place of peace.”
Prime Minister Marape encouraged China to continue taking a long-term approach to its engagement with Pacific Island countries and not allow individual disagreements or political statements to undermine the broader relationship.
“We belong to one family under the sun,” he said.
“China has always taken a long-term view of its relationships. Papua New Guinea also looks beyond immediate issues and remains committed to building an enduring partnership based on mutual respect, dialogue and shared prosperity.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would continue maintaining friendly relations with all countries while protecting its sovereignty, national interests and longstanding diplomatic commitments.