US cites China in PNG closure of Taiwan site

‘DEEPLY CONCERNED’: Taiwan is a reliable partner, and Beijing is threatening global peace and prosperity in its intimidation campaign, an official said on Saturday

The US government has expressed concern over the closure of Taiwan’s representative office in Papua New Guinea (PNG) under pressure from the PNG government, saying that the incident is another example of Beijing’s intimidation of Taiwan.

“We are deeply concerned by reports that the government of Papua New Guinea has unilaterally ordered the closure of the Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby,” an unnamed US Department of State spokesman said on Saturday.

“Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded and democratic partner, and its relationships around the world provide significant benefits to the citizens of those countries, including Papua New Guinea,” the spokesman said.

The seal of the US Department of State is pictured in Washington in an undated photograph.

Photo: Reuters

“This is yet another example of Beijing’s intimidation campaign against Taiwan and its supporters around the world, which undermines the sovereign decisions of countries choosing to partner with Taiwan and threatens international peace and prosperity,” the spokesman added.

The US Department of State made the remarks in response to a request for comment on Taiwan’s decision on Friday to close its representative office in PNG, which was established in 1990 despite the absence of official diplomatic ties.

The decision came after the PNG government renewed its unilateral demands that personnel of the Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby leave the country and that the office be shut down, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.

“In consideration of national dignity, diplomatic autonomy and overall national interests, and following a comprehensive assessment, the ROC [Taiwan] government has made the decision to close the office, withdraw all stationed personnel, and conduct a full review and adjustment of bilateral ties,” the ministry said in a statement issued on Friday.

The dispute began after PNG Minister of Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko announced on July 16 that his government had ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan’s representative office in the country, citing PNG’s adherence to the “one China” policy.

Taiwan promptly lodged a formal protest with the PNG government, but maintained that its representative office remained operational despite the unilateral announcement.

Taiwan also suspended spot purchases of liquefied natural gas from PNG in July in response to the country’s plans to close Taiwan’s representative office.

China has long used political coercion, economic incentives and diplomatic pressure to force other countries to accept its political claims, while seeking to limit Taiwan’s international presence, MOFA said.

The PNG government’s decision is another example of Beijing using political and economic leverage to interfere in other countries’ diplomatic decisions, undermining international trust and fairness, it said, urging the international community to recognize China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan on the global stage.