TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Friday called Papua New Guinea’s decision to close Taiwan’s representative office a setback but said the government would continue expanding its international ties.
Speaking at the BIO Asia–Taiwan Exhibition, Hsiao said China continued to restrict Taiwan’s international space. She said this made it harder for Taiwan to maintain its global presence and develop new partnerships overseas, CNA reported.
“This is a setback,” Hsiao said. However, she said the government would continue supporting Taiwanese overseas and expand cooperation with international partners.
SET News reported that Papua New Guinea on Thursday had ordered Taiwan’s representative office in the country to close. The office managed unofficial relations and provided services to Taiwanese and businesses.
Hsiao also discussed the importance of Taiwan’s biotechnology industry at the exhibition. She said international attention often focused on Taiwan’s semiconductor sector, but biotechnology was also important because of its role in public health.
Hsiao said President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) health policies, including a program to develop new cancer medicines. She added that biotechnology could support healthcare, industry, and the wider economy.
Hsiao said the exhibition had attracted a record number of international participants this year. She said growing confidence in Taiwan’s research and manufacturing could strengthen the country’s international connections and create opportunities across several industries.
