Taiwan is set to close its representative office in Papua New Guinea later this month, following repeated demands from the Pacific island nation. PNG cited its adherence to the “one-China policy” as the reason for the closure, a move that has drawn regret from Taiwanese officials.
The shutdown will sever Taiwanese technical assistance and end long-standing cooperation with PNG, including the halt of spot-market purchases of the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG). Taipei warned that this could negatively impact PNG’s export earnings.
Taiwanese deputy foreign minister Chen Ming-chi expressed disappointment, stating that PNG’s decision was made under pressure from Beijing. The closure marks a significant shift in bilateral relations, with potential economic repercussions for both sides.