Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, welcomed new Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Mr Yang Xiaoguang, while commenting on the “great strides” the two countries have made in their bilateral ties in the last five years.
Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his office at Sir Manasupe House in Waigani, during which Prime Minister Marape and the Ambassador reaffirmed the existing bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea and China.
“Papua New Guinea and China have always had a good, cordial relationship since 1976 when our two countries signed a joint communique establishing diplomatic ties,” said PM Marape.
“I welcome you to Papua New Guinea, Ambassador Yang, and look forward to a greater collaboration with you to continue what your predecessors have put in place.”
Prime Minister Marape said it was “satisfying” to see the PNG-China relationship elevated to this new level, a sentiment that was later echoed by Ambassador Yang in his reply to the Prime Minister.
PM Marape continued by reaffirming China’s position in terms of Papua New Guinea’s trade and investment with China, highlighting to the new envoy that China continues as one of the biggest importers of PNG produce and raw materials where China buys more from PNG than the other way around.
He also acknowledged the roles that Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Premier Li Keqiang and his successor Premier Li Qiang have played in understanding his objectives in downstream processing as a strategy to heighten the country’s economic strength, and providing support in this area.
“I want to place on record both President Xi Jinping’s and Premier Li’s understanding of our focus on downstream processing. In my last trip to China, we signed certain MOUs, and one of them was for bio-clearance so PNG produce can be exported to China.
“So great strides have been made in the last few years, especially on the Chinese government’s appreciation of our focus on downstream processing, and their support to us to get into downstream processing to export back to China and other parts of the world.”
The Prime Minister then reflected on his visits to China over the last years since taking office, reiterating the level of diplomacy and respect accorded to him by the government and the leaders of China.
He affirmed to the new envoy the focus on manufacturing and downstream processing and requested that the Ambassador continue to work with his government to progress matters this area.
PM Marape concluded his remarks by stressing PNG’s stance on the One China policy and invited more Chinese investments into the country.
Ambassador Yang said it was a “privilege and honour” to be the new ambassador in Papua New Guinea, adding that he wanted to see the PNG-China bilateral ties improved to greater heights during his tenure in office.
He said, “I am confident that with your assistance, we can achieve our mutual target of improving further our relationship.
“We appreciate your Excellency’s attachment of great importance to the PNG-China relations.”
Ambassador Yang acknowledged the visits Prime Minister Marape has made to China and his message in welcoming more Chinese investors into PNG.
Ambassador Yang said, “More and more Chinese companies are interested in investing in PNG, as we see PNG has a huge potential in further development. We believe PNG can be more prosperous, independent and more influential. During the course of PNG’s development, China will be a reliable partner as we do not affiliate any political conditions to our relations, no empty promise, and no interference in the internal affairs.
“China always regard PNG-China relations from a strategic point of view. In 2018, our President made a historic visit to PNG and improved our bilateral relationship to comprehensive strategic partnership, and in recent years, we have supported each other on my occasions. We have seen our political mutual trust deepened and broadened our economic and trade cooperation.
“In the past years, you have visited China twice and met with our President and prime minister, and you signed a series of important documents enhancing our bilateral cooperation. You also met with a series of Chinese senior figures when they visited PNG.
“You expressed strong message to Chinese investors of welcoming Chinese investments and of supporting our bilateral relations, especially Prime Minister, we appreciate greatly your governments abidance by the One China principle.
“We can say PNG-China relations are at its best times in history, so I will work on the good foundations laid down by my predecessors to further cooperate with our PNG friends to deepen this cooperation,” said Ambassador Yang.
Ambassador Yang noted the work being carried out to put into place a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, and highlighted the need for a stronger practical cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, climate change, and clean energy besides the traditional ones of infrastructure, and trade & investment.
He also mentioned opening up into Information & Communications Technology, disaster prevention and relief. The Ambassor also highlighted the current work China is doing in developing a currency settlement mechanism, and the Bank of China opening up a branch in Port Moresby, both of which will better facilitate Chinese investments in PNG.
In the area of people-to-people exchanges, the new envoy highlighted the need for visa exemptions so more Chinese people can visit PNG as tourists and investors seeking businesses in the country, as China has opened up direct air services link between Guangzhou and Port Moresby since 2023.
“I cannot find any faults in our relationship thus far. I am satisfied that we have elevated our relationship to this stage,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.
