Taiwan Closes Representative Office in Papua New Guinea Amid Chinese Pressure
Taiwan has officially closed its representative office in Papua New Guinea and halted liquefied natural gas imports, citing political pressure from Beijing.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 7, 2026, that it has closed its representative office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and ceased the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the nation. The decision follows a directive from the Papua New Guinean government, which had previously requested the office's closure. Taiwan’s government stated that this move reflects China’s ongoing use of political and economic influence to interfere with the diplomatic decisions of other nations and to limit Taiwan’s international presence. While Papua New Guinea’s foreign minister had signaled the intent to close the office as early as July, the facility remained operational until recently. The United States Department of State expressed deep concern over the development, characterizing it as another example of China’s intimidation tactics against Taiwan and its global partners. For residents and travelers, this shift highlights the intensifying diplomatic competition in the Pacific region. While the office closure is confirmed, the long-term impact on bilateral trade and regional stability remains to be seen. Observers are monitoring whether this diplomatic realignment will influence other Pacific nations' relations with Taiwan. China continues to assert that Taiwan is part of its territory, a claim that the Taiwanese government consistently rejects.
