Taiwan Protests Papua New Guinea's Unilateral Closure of Representative Office

Taiwan has lodged a strong protest against Papua New Guinea's abrupt and unilateral decision to close Taiwan's representative office in the country, effective immediately. Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, stated that the government rejects the closure and is actively engaging in diplomatic discussions.

In response to the unexpected move, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has convened an emergency meeting. The review of bilateral economic relations includes examining Taiwan's significant natural gas purchases from Papua New Guinea, which constitute a substantial portion of the nation's revenue. Wu emphasized that Taiwan's representative office is crucial for Papua New Guinea's economy, highlighting Taiwan's contributions through development programs and technical assistance in agriculture and fisheries.

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Papua New Guinea is another example of the CCP using political pressure and economic coercion to intimidate Taiwan and democratic countries again. Taiwan must cooperate with its allies to face this new form of threat.

The United States State Department has voiced deep concern over the situation, characterizing Papua New Guinea's action as another instance of Beijing's global intimidation campaign targeting Taiwan and its international partners. The U.S. statement underscored that such actions undermine sovereign decisions and threaten regional peace and prosperity.

Minister Wu further alleged that Papua New Guinea's decision was influenced by political pressure and economic coercion from China. He noted that opinions within the Papua New Guinean government are reportedly divided, and a two-year review of relations with Taiwan had not yet been completed. Taiwan asserts that it was neither consulted nor involved in the decision-making process and will continue diplomatic efforts, coordinating with allied nations to address this "new form of threat."

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The unilateral closure of the office by the PNG government is another example of Beijing's intimidation tactics globally against Taiwan and its supporters.