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