China Suppressing Taiwan 'Everywhere,' Vice President Says Amid PNG Pressure

Taiwan faces an "extremely difficult" diplomatic situation as China actively suppresses its international engagement, according to Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. Her remarks followed Papua New Guinea's announcement that it would close Taiwan's representative office in the country, a move praised by Beijing and condemned by Taipei. The Pacific region has long been a site of diplomatic competition between China and Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, rejects China's sovereignty claims. Papua New Guinea, like most nations, maintains formal diplomatic ties with China rather than Taiwan. "Our diplomatic situation is truly extremely difficult. China is suppressing us everywhere, suppressing our chances to survive and to expand our international space," Hsiao told reporters in Taipei. She described the development as a setback but affirmed Taiwan's continued efforts to seek opportunities for its citizens abroad and expand international cooperation. Following Papua New Guinea's decision, only 12 countries worldwide maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, with three located in the Pacific: Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade acknowledged the situation, stating it would seek further information regarding Papua New Guinea's decision. Taiwan and Papua New Guinea are both members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The two entities have had a complex diplomatic history, including a brief period of relations in 1999. The article also references a 2020 incident in Fiji where a Taiwanese diplomat was hospitalized after a confrontation with Chinese diplomats at a reception.

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Our diplomatic situation is truly extremely difficult. China is suppressing us everywhere, suppressing our chances to survive and to expand our international space.