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Xiamen, China, 29th May 2025 – Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko emphasize that the basis of PNG ‘s bilateral relations with China is Trade, Economic and infrastructural Development aspirations of the country.
He met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and F reign Minister of China, H.E. Wang Yi, on the margins of the 3rd Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting, held in Xiamen City, China, from 28th – 29th May 2025.
Both Ministers acknowledged the elevated bilateral engagements following the signing of d Joint Statement between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister James Marape in 2023 and the recent visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Port Moresby in April 2024.
Since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1976, PNG has been committed to the “One China” Policy while it continues to emphasize mutual respect and recognition of sovereignty under international law. This is reflected in its support for the four “Fully Respect” put forth by President Jinping in China’s Foreign Policy.
Both Foreign Ministers recognized the importance of bilateral relations through trade, investment, economic and infrastructural development, agriculture and technical cooperation, and people-to-people connection through educational scholarship arrangements, air services linkages and Sister-City relations.
On Trade and Economic relations, both Foreign Ministers noted that trade between the two countries continue to grow. Foreign Minister Tkatchenko expressed the need for increase in market access for PNG’s primary commodities, including agricultural, fisheries and energy products. Given China’s huge geographical size, the PNG Government plans to establish a Consulate Office in Shenzhen City a strategic trade and economic hub in China.
Further, the two Ministers noted Papua New Guinea’s intention for per anent membership in the ASEAN due to its economic size, geographical pro ximity and cultural affinity with the Asian region. Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed that China sees Papua New Guinea as an important trading partner and an emerging economy in the Pacific region and will support the inclusion of Papua New Guinea as a permanent member into ASEAN.
On infrastructural development cooperation, Foreign Minister Tkatchenko requested the Chinese Government to complete outstanding Grant Aid Projects in PNG. Both Ministers agreed for all relevant government agencies to progress and action these projects to function immediately.
Both Ministers also noted the need for increase in the quota for Chinese education and training scholarships for Papua New Guineans to enhance cultural and people to connection, and also requested to extend the air service link to Honiara.
Southern China Airlines has direct flights from Guangzhou to Port Moresby, and then to Vanuatu. Inclusion of Honiara in the air route will enhance the connectivity to the MSG members, catering for the growing Chinese tourists and investors in the region.
Foreign Minister Tkatchenko congratulated his Chinese counterpart and the Government of China for a successful meeting held between China and participating Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers and expressed his desire for further productive dialogue in the future.
