Taiwan has announced it will close its representative office in Papua New Guinea and halt all liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from the country, citing Chinese political pressure. The decision comes after Papua New Guinea repeated demands for Taiwan to shut down its office in Port Moresby and for staff to leave within a set deadline.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these actions reflect China’s ongoing efforts to interfere in diplomatic decisions and suppress Taiwan’s international presence. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, had previously welcomed Papua New Guinea’s decision in July to close Taiwan’s office, though the office remained open temporarily.
The Pacific region has long been a battleground for diplomatic influence between China and Taiwan. While Papua New Guinea maintains formal diplomatic relations with China, it had allowed Taiwan to operate a representative office in Port Moresby. Taiwan currently has formal diplomatic ties with only three Pacific Islands nations: Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands, and a representative office in Fiji.
Taiwan previously stopped spot purchases of LNG from Papua New Guinea and now will also cease signing new spot purchase contracts. Taiwanese LNG purchases accounted for one-third of Papua New Guinea’s exports, with Taiwan importing about 8 percent of its natural gas from Port Moresby last year. Additionally, Taipei will end technical cooperation and assistance programs, including medical missions and scholarships.