Prime Minister James Marape has defended the Government’s decision to close Taiwan’s representative office in Papua New Guinea, rejecting criticism by former prime minister Peter O’Neill.
PM Marape in a statement on Wednesday insisted that the move upholds PNG’s longstanding One-China Policy without disrupting legitimate trade and investment.
PM Marape said the decision was neither taken lightly nor influenced by Chinese loans, political pressure or coercion, but reflected Papua New Guinea’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.
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“Papua New Guinea has maintained the One-China Policy since establishing diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1976. We are simply giving greater clarity and practical effect to that longstanding commitment,” he said in a statement.
“As a country dealing with our own sovereignty issues, including Bougainville, we understand the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. We cannot demand respect for our own sovereignty while disregarding the sovereignty of others.”
PM Marape rejected suggestions by Ialibu-Pangia MP O’Neill that the closure would bring an end to trade, investment and economic cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Taiwan.
“Mr. O’Neill should stop frightening our people with misleading claims that trade and business relationships will cease. Our One-China Policy does not prevent legitimate business-to-business relationships, private investment, trade or cooperation at the provincial and subnational levels,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea remains open to business with Taiwan, just as we remain open to legitimate trade and investment with other economies around the world. Our decision concerns diplomatic representation and should not be misrepresented as a decision to terminate commercial relationships.”
PM Marape clarified that provincial governments, businesses and private organisations could continue pursuing appropriate commercial, cultural, educational and other non-diplomatic relationships consistent with PNG’s national foreign policy.
He said Papua New Guinea had maintained its One-China Policy through successive governments, including during O’Neill’s tenure as prime minister.
“This is not a new policy introduced by my Government. It is a longstanding national position that has existed for 50 years, through successive governments and different political leaderships,” he said.
“Mr O’Neill himself served as Prime Minister under this same policy. It is therefore misleading to suggest that our Government has suddenly abandoned an established foreign policy position or acted against Papua New Guinea’s national interests.”
PM Marape said China, the world’s second-largest economy and one of its largest consumer markets, presented enormous opportunities for Papua New Guinea’s economic future.
“China is one of the biggest markets in the world and already one of Papua New Guinea’s most important trading partners. By strengthening our longstanding One-China Policy, we are securing our relationship with this major economic power and laying a stronger foundation for continued market access, increased exports, investment and economic growth,” he said.
“This is a major win for Papua New Guinea’s exporters, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, minerals and energy. We want our farmers, producers and businesses to benefit from the enormous opportunities offered by the Chinese market, not just today but for generations to come.
“Our objective is to expand opportunities for Papua New Guinean products to enter this enormous market, attract investment into productive sectors of our economy, create employment and ensure that ordinary Papua New Guineans benefit from stronger international economic relationships.”
PM Marape stressed that Papua New Guinea would continue maintaining constructive relationships with all its traditional and emerging international partners, including Australia, the United States, Japan, New Zealand, the European Union and other important trading partners.
“Papua New Guinea is an independent and sovereign nation. We make our foreign policy decisions based on our own national interests, not because another country dictates what we should do,” he said.
“We value our friendships and economic partnerships across the world. Strengthening our relationship with China does not mean weakening our relationships with other countries or economies.”
PM Marape urged political leaders to approach foreign policy matters responsibly and avoid creating unnecessary fear among businesses, investors and the general public.
“Foreign policy must rise above domestic political point-scoring. These are serious matters concerning our sovereignty, our international standing and the long-term economic interests of our people,” he said.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/png-reaffirms-one-china-policy-as-sovereign-decision-says-png-pm/
“I assure all Papua New Guineans that our Government remains committed to protecting existing legitimate business relationships, expanding international trade, attracting investment and creating more opportunities for our people.
“Our foreign policy remains guided by mutual respect, national sovereignty, non-interference and the pursuit of Papua New Guinea’s national interests. We remain friends to all and enemies to none.”