Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea Justin Tkatchenko reaffirmed his country's firm commitment to the one-China principle on July 31 when speaking at the launch ceremony of the "2026 Charming China (Guangdong): Lingnan Culture Travels to the South Pacific" held at Butuka Academy in PNG.
Justin Tkatchenko addresses the launch ceremony at Butuka Academy on July 31.
The launch ceremony was held during the Guangdong cultural delegation's visit to PNG under the "2026 Charming China (Guangdong): Lingnan Culture Travels to the South Pacific" event. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and PNG.
"China is one of our biggest economic and trade partners. And it's only gonna get bigger and better now and into the future," the minister said. He also stressed that PNG has adhered to the one-China principle since 1976 when China and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations.
"The sovereignty of one's country should always be put first. One country, one flag. That's very, very important."
The Guangdong cultural delegation started their visit to PNG on July 29. According to the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea, the Guangdong cultural delegation's visit this time marked the first visit by a Chinese provincial delegation to the country since the Papua New Guinea government closed the "Taipei Economic Office in Papua New Guinea" earlier this month.
Reporter | Huang Xinyi reporting from Papua New Guinea
Video/Poster/Photo | Guo Hongda
