PNG Prime Minister Defends Taiwan Office Closure, Rejects O’Neill’s Criticism

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has defended his Government’s decision to close Taiwan’s representative office in PNG, maintaining that the move is consistent with the country’s longstanding diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China.

Marape dismissed criticism from former prime minister and Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill, rejecting claims that the decision would damage trade, investment and economic cooperation between PNG and Taiwan. He said the Government’s action concerned diplomatic representation rather than commercial relationships.

 PNG Prime Minister Defends Taiwan Office Closure, Rejects O’Neill’s Criticism

In a statement , Marape said the decision was made independently and was not the result of Chinese loans, political pressure or coercion.

He maintained that PNG had followed the One-China Policy since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1976, adding that the current Government was simply reinforcing an established national position.

“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.

The Prime Minister also drew comparisons with PNG’s own sovereignty concerns, including Bougainville, arguing that the country must demonstrate the same respect for the territorial integrity of other nations that it expects from the international community.

“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,” he said.

Marape took issue with O’Neill’s warnings that shutting down Taiwan’s representative office could affect business and economic ties, insisting that private commercial dealings would remain possible.

“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.

He explained that provincial administrations, private companies and other organisations could continue appropriate trade, cultural and educational arrangements with Taiwan, provided they did not conflict with PNG's foreign policy.

Marape further pointed out that the One-China Policy was not introduced by his administration, noting that successive governments had maintained the same diplomatic position over the past five decades, including when O’Neill was 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.

The Prime Minister also highlighted China's economic importance, describing its large consumer market as an opportunity for PNG exporters seeking to expand their international markets.

He identified agriculture, fisheries, forestry, minerals and energy as sectors that could benefit from increased access to Chinese markets, investment and commercial partnerships.

Marape said the Government wanted international trade arrangements to generate employment, increase exports and provide wider economic benefits for Papua New Guineans.

He also stressed that strengthening diplomatic and economic engagement with Beijing would not come at the expense of PNG's existing relationships with Australia, the United States, Japan, New Zealand, the European Union and other international 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.

He called on political leaders to avoid turning foreign policy decisions into domestic political disputes, warning that public statements could create uncertainty among investors, businesses and the wider community.

“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,” Marape said.