On May 29, 2025, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met in Xiamen with Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who was in China to attend the Third China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Wang Yi noted that the friendship between China and Papua New Guinea has withstood the test of time and distance and has become a valuable asset cherished by both peoples. Under the guidance of successive leaders from both sides, China and PNG have grown into trusted friends, mutually beneficial partners, and supportive brothers in international affairs. He congratulated Papua New Guinea on the 50th anniversary of its independence. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both sides can take this opportunity to review the successful experience of bilateral ties and jointly plan a blueprint for the next 50 years of development.
Wang emphasized that both countries should implement the important consensus reached by their leaders, promptly launch negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, deepen cooperation in various sectors, and transform Papua New Guinea’s development potential into driving forces for growth. He welcomed PNG’s participation in the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Mediation Institute.
Wang Yi pointed out that the Third China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reached new consensus on jointly building a China–Pacific Islands community with a shared future. China values Papua New Guinea’s influence as a major country in the South Pacific and its strategic position as a “gateway” to Asia. China is ready to work with PNG and other Pacific island countries to implement the outcomes of the meeting and contribute more to regional peace and development.
Tkatchenko stated that relations with China are of critical importance to Papua New Guinea. The PNG government firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He expressed willingness to maintain close communication and coordination with China, promote Belt and Road cooperation, and advance practical collaboration in areas such as agriculture, education, telecommunications, energy, and local development to help PNG achieve sustainable development.
Wang Yi expressed appreciation for PNG’s firm commitment to the one-China principle. He pointed out that Xiamen and Taiwan’s Kinmen Island are geographically close. China hopes most for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and looks forward to early national reunification. Both sides of the Strait belong to one China — this is both a historical fact and present reality. Achieving the complete reunification of the motherland is the long-cherished aspiration of the Chinese nation, an irresistible trend of the times. “Taiwan independence” separatist activities violate China’s Constitution, go against the purposes of the UN Charter, and defy the international consensus on the one-China principle — they are bound to be opposed by the international community.
During the meeting, Wang Yi also held bilateral talks with former President and current Deputy Foreign Minister of Nauru, Baron Waqa, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Lenora Qereqeretabua, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Esala Nayasi.
