China and Papua New Guinea Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Practical Cooperation for Mutual Development

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held discussions on Thursday with Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko in Xiamen, as part of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The bilateral talks underscored an enduring partnership between China and Papua New Guinea (PNG), with both sides pledging to deepen practical cooperation and chart a new course for the future of their relationship.

During the meeting, Wang Yi hailed the long-standing friendship between China and PNG, describing it as a “valuable asset forged across mountains and seas and tested by time.” He highlighted that under the leadership of successive governments in both countries, China and PNG have become trusted friends, reliable partners in development, and close brothers in international affairs. Wang congratulated PNG on the approaching 50th anniversary of its independence, noting that 2026 will mark five decades since the two nations established diplomatic relations. He called on both sides to reflect on past successes and jointly plan the next fifty years of collaboration.

To advance this partnership even further, Wang advocated for an early launch of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement and emphasized the need for full implementation of consensus reached by the countries’ leaders. Wang stressed that the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting produced fresh consensus on building a community with a shared future among China and Pacific island nations. He also recognized PNG's strategic role as a major South Pacific country and gateway to Asia, expressing China’s willingness to work with PNG and other regional partners to support peace and development throughout the region.

Minister Tkatchenko reaffirmed the critical importance of China-PNG relations and reiterated PNG’s unwavering commitment to the one-China policy. He voiced strong support for China’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tkatchenko also expressed PNG’s desire to further strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with special emphasis on boosting collaboration in agriculture, education, telecommunications, energy, and local development to underpin PNG’s sustainable growth.

Wang Yi commended Papua New Guinea’s consistent support of the one-China principle. Noting Xiamen’s proximity to Taiwan’s Kinmen Island, Wang underscored the priority China places on peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. He emphasized, “The two sides of the Straits belong to one China – this is not only historical fact but present reality.” According to Wang, achieving national reunification remains a long-cherished aspiration of the Chinese nation and an unstoppable historical trend.

Wang firmly denounced “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, asserting that such actions are unconstitutional, contravene the United Nations Charter, and defy the international consensus on the one-China principle. He affirmed that efforts towards “Taiwan independence” would be met with opposition from the global community.

The dialogue between China and Papua New Guinea in Xiamen marks another significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing regional cooperation, with both sides poised to leverage existing frameworks to promote mutual prosperity and stability across the Pacific region.