TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US State Department has expressed deep concern after Papua New Guinea ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, CNA reported Friday.
A State Department spokesperson described the decision as “another example” of Beijing intimidating Taiwan and countries that support its international participation. The spokesperson said such pressure undermined countries' right to decide whether to cooperate with Taiwan.
The spokesperson said Beijing’s actions also threatened international peace and prosperity. Taiwan is a reliable, democratic, and like-minded partner whose international ties brought significant benefits to people in countries including Papua New Guinea, the spokesperson added.
Liberty Times reported that Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced Thursday that the Taipei Economic Office would immediately stop operating. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Papua New Guinea had not discussed the decision with Taiwan beforehand.
The foreign ministry rejected the decision and said it would continue communicating with the Papua New Guinea government. The ministry said its priority was to protect Taiwan’s rights and interests.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said Taiwan faced a difficult diplomatic environment because China continued trying to restrict its international space. She described the closure as a setback but said Taiwan would continue expanding cooperation with other countries.
Papua New Guinea is a Pacific island country north of Australia that recognizes Beijing but maintains unofficial economic ties with Taiwan. China has expanded its influence there, while the country continues close economic and security cooperation with Australia and other regional partners, SETN News reported.
The foreign ministry said it would closely monitor developments and consider possible responses.
