《TAIPEI TIMES》 Taiwan to close its office in Papua New Guinea
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Papua New Guinea government decided to close the Taiwan representative office. Taiwan responded based on national dignity and overall interests, and has ensured stable energy supply.
Quick Look
- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that due to pressure from China, it will close its representative office in Papua New Guinea and evacuate all personnel, and will also stop purchasing the country's liquefied natural gas.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that stable domestic natural gas supply has been ensured and that this move will not affect Taiwan's energy security, and called on the international community to jointly defend the rules-based international order.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Papua New Guinea's foreign minister said in July that the country's government had decided to immediately close Taiwan's representative office in the country, earning praise from China. Although the office has remained open during this period, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that it had decided to close the office and evacuate all personnel based on national dignity, diplomatic autonomy, and overall national interests. Taiwan has provided substantial assistance to Papua New Guinea in the fields of economy, agriculture, public health, and talent development over the years, but the recent actions of the government have severely damaged the mutual trust built through years of cooperation.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said yesterday it would close its representative office in Papua New Guinea and stop buying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the country, citing pressure from China.
Papua New Guinea's foreign minister said in July that his government had decided to immediately close Taiwan's representative office in the country, earning praise from China, although the office had remained open in the meantime.
Based on national dignity, diplomatic independence and the country's overall interests, Taiwan decided to close the office and withdraw all officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that the government would reassess and adjust bilateral cooperation with Papua New Guinea.
The country also stopped buying Papua New Guinea's liquefied natural gas.
Taiwan originally planned to purchase about 500,000 tons of spot LNG from Papua New Guinea in the first half of this year, but it will no longer sign new spot purchase contracts with the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has completed an assessment of domestic natural gas supply and demand, adjusted procurement plans, and secured alternative energy sources to ensure stable and sufficient energy supply.
The move to stop spot LNG purchases from Papua New Guinea and adjust bilateral diplomatic relations will not have an impact on Taiwan's energy security.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that over the years, Taiwan has provided a large amount of assistance to Papua New Guinea in the fields of economy, agriculture, public health and human resources development, following the principles of mutual benefit and development cooperation. These efforts have contributed to the well-being of local communities and the development of the country.
However, recent actions by the Papua New Guinea government have severely damaged the mutual trust built through years of cooperation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accusing China of using political pressure and economic leverage to interfere in other countries' foreign policy decisions and limit Taiwan's international space.
The ministry added that all countries should have the right to independently decide how to engage and cooperate with Taiwan, free from political coercion or manipulation by third parties.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not affiliated with each other. The people of Taiwan have the right to determine their own future and participate in the international community on an equal basis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that China has long tried to limit Taiwan's international presence through political coercion, economic incentives and diplomatic pressure to force other countries to accept its unilateral political claims.
The latest decision by the Papua New Guinea government highlights China's use of political and economic leverage to interfere in other countries' independent foreign policy decisions and undermine the principles of international trust and fairness.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to recognize China's continued efforts to expand its political influence and hinder Taiwan's international participation, and to work together to defend the rules-based international order, shared democratic values, and the right of each country to independently determine its foreign policy.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Taiwan will reassess and adjust bilateral cooperation with Papua New Guinea
Very likely · Within weeks
Taiwan to look for alternative sources of LNG purchases
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What is the specific timetable for the closure of the Taiwan Representative Office?
- How will bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Papua New Guinea be re-evaluated and adjusted?
- From what alternative sources will Taiwan purchase LNG?
- What is China's specific response to this matter?
