Papua New Guinea Unilaterally Closes Taiwan Office – Foreign Minister Joseph Wu: Reviewing Million-Ton LNG Procurement, Taking Necessary Actions

Justin Tkatchenko, Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG), an Oceanian country neighboring Indonesia, recently unilaterally announced the immediate suspension of operations of Taiwan's representative office in PNG. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated it does not accept PNG’s unilateral declaration and affirmed that the office will continue normal operations. MOFA also announced it will comprehensively review bilateral cooperation and economic exchanges between Taiwan and PNG, and consider taking necessary and appropriate countermeasures to safeguard Taiwan's overall interests and dignity.

On the 18th, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated during a press interview at the opening ceremony of the New Taipei office of the National Federation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that Taiwan annually purchases nearly one-third of PNG’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) output, exceeding 1.2 million tons per year, which constitutes a significant portion of PNG’s revenue. He emphasized that Taiwan will conduct a thorough review and take necessary responsive actions.

Taiwan’s representative office in PNG was forced to change its name from the 'Republic of China (Taiwan) Business Representative Office' to the 'Taipei Economic Office' in 2018. On the afternoon of the 16th, as PNG approaches the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, Tkatchenko issued a statement on behalf of the PNG Ministry of Foreign Affairs, formally announcing the cessation of operations of Taiwan’s representative office. He claimed the decision had already been communicated to China’s ambassador to PNG and asserted it demonstrates PNG’s unwavering commitment to respecting and upholding the 'One China Policy' for the past 50 years.

In response, Taiwan’s MOFA swiftly issued a rebuttal on the evening of the 16th, stating that Tkatchenko’s unannounced declaration, made without prior consultation with Taiwan, is strongly protested and not accepted. MOFA affirmed that Taiwan’s representative office will continue normal operations and that Taiwan will continue diplomatic engagement with PNG. MOFA has also contacted like-minded countries and convened an emergency response meeting. It will work with relevant ministries to comprehensively review bilateral cooperation and economic exchanges, and consider necessary and appropriate countermeasures to protect Taiwan’s overall interests and dignity.

When asked whether Taiwan would impose economic sanctions on PNG, Foreign Minister Wu noted that there is actually no consensus within the PNG government, and the review of PNG’s relations with Taiwan has been ongoing for two years without conclusion. He emphasized that Taiwan and PNG do have economic ties, contrary to claims by some PNG officials. Taiwan purchases nearly one-third of PNG’s LNG, exceeding 1.2 million tons annually, which accounts for a large portion of PNG’s income. Therefore, maintaining a representative office is highly important for PNG.

Regarding the possibility of economic sanctions, Wu stated that MOFA has already held an emergency meeting and is reviewing Taiwan’s economic relations with PNG, including LNG procurement. The government will conduct a thorough assessment and take necessary responsive actions. He added that Taiwan hopes to assist PNG’s development in agriculture and fisheries and create job opportunities through programs like the Prosperity Initiative and technical missions. However, PNG’s unilateral action was taken without consultation or discussion with Taiwan, which Taiwan does not accept. Taiwan will continue negotiations and coordinate with friendly nations to express concern over this matter.

On the other hand, according to reports from the Central News Agency (CNA), the U.S. Department of State responded to inquiries by expressing deep concern over media reports that the PNG government unilaterally ordered the closure of the Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby. The U.S. stated this is yet another example of Beijing intimidating Taiwan and its supporters, undermining sovereign decisions by countries to cooperate with Taiwan and posing a threat to international peace and prosperity. The U.S. Department of State affirmed that Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded, democratic partner, and that Taiwan’s relationships with countries around the world, including PNG, bring significant benefits to their people.

In response to the U.S. Department of State’s remarks, Foreign Minister Wu stated in a press interview that the U.S. has publicly affirmed that PNG’s unilateral action not only undermines regional stability but also serves as a new example of intimidation against Taiwan and its global partners. He emphasized that Taiwan’s government does not accept PNG’s unilateral closure of the office, has expressed protests and is engaging in negotiations. He noted that allied nations concerned about the issue have already voiced support for Taiwan. He described PNG’s action as another example of China using political pressure and economic coercion to intimidate Taiwan and democratic nations. 'We must cooperate with our allies to jointly face this new form of threat,' he stated.