Taiwan Blocks PNG LNG Purchases Amid Office Closure Row

Taiwan has suspended spot-market liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from Papua New Guinea after the country unilaterally announced the closure of Taiwan's representative office. The decision was made within a week of receiving notice, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The ministry's Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Director-general Michael Lin stated that Taiwan does not accept Papua New Guinea's unilateral decision. He said Taiwan 'strongly protests' the move, accusing the country's foreign minister of bypassing the civil service system.

CPC Corporation, Taiwan's state-owned oil and gas supplier, has ensured that Taiwan's gas supplies remain secure by making purchases from other countries. The representative office in Papua New Guinea remains open, but Taiwan will review its medical referrals, agricultural assistance, and scholarships based on Papua New Guinea's response.