Papua New Guinea's push to close Taiwan's office

Oct 06, 2026

Taiwan says its office in Papua New Guinea is still running normally despite Port Moresby's July demand that it shut down — a sign Taiwan is holding ground, but the dispute is unresolved.

  • Papua New Guinea's foreign minister, Justin Tkatchenko, demanded in July that Taiwan's representative office close immediately.
  • Taiwan says the office is working as usual, with no obstruction, and its new envoy meets Papua New Guinea officials regularly.
  • Taipei has formally protested, calling the decision one-sided and made without consultation, and refuses to accept it.
  • Taiwan retaliated by halting spot-market purchases of Papua New Guinea liquefied natural gas.
  • Backup plans for other scenarios are ready but being kept private, while friendly countries are being asked to lobby Port Moresby.

Outlook: Expect quiet diplomacy and continued gas-purchase pressure, with Taiwan adjusting its response based on what Papua New Guinea does next.

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