Taiwan to close representative office in Papua New Guinea, blames China
Summary
Taiwan said it will close its representative office in Papua New Guinea and end new spot purchases of the country’s liquefied natural gas. Taiwan blamed Chinese political pressure, while Papua New Guinea had directed the office to close by a deadline. Taiwan will also end technical assistance and cooperation programs there.Key Facts
- Papua New Guinea had renewed demands that staff leave Taiwan’s office in Port Moresby by a set deadline.
- Taiwan said it would stop signing new spot contracts to buy liquefied natural gas from Papua New Guinea.
- Taiwan had already halted spot purchases of Papua New Guinea’s LNG.
- Taiwanese LNG purchases accounted for about one-third of Papua New Guinea’s exports.
- Taiwan imported about 8 percent of its natural gas from Papua New Guinea last year.
- Taiwan said it would end technical cooperation and assistance programs, including medical missions and scholarship programs.
- Papua New Guinea has formal diplomatic relations with China but had allowed Taiwan to maintain a representative office.
- Taiwan has formal diplomatic ties with 12 countries, including Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands.
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