Papua New Guinea to close Taiwan trade mission in Port Moresby to reassure China
Papua New Guinea has said it will close Taiwan's trade mission in its capital, Port Moresby, in a move that marks a sharp diplomatic shift in the Pacific. The government said Taiwan's presence was no longer recognised or required, and described the decision as part of an effort to deepen trust with Beijing. Officials also said the move reaffirms Papua New Guinea's commitment to the One China policy.
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Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced the decision on Thursday, saying it was a vital step in strengthening ties with China. He said Papua New Guinea had communicated with the Taipei office before the announcement, although he did not provide further detail. Taiwanese officials in Port Moresby said they were caught off guard and first learned of the decision when contacted by reporters.
Taiwan's foreign ministry said it opposed what it called a unilateral decision and intended to continue its presence in Papua New Guinea. It said its representative office would keep operating normally and would safeguard the rights and interests of Taiwanese nationals. Taiwan also said it was seeking talks with the Papua New Guinea government and support from like-minded countries.
The move comes after Papua New Guinea entered a landmark defence alliance with Australia last month, a development that has added to the strategic sensitivity of its foreign policy choices. The country has also been described as freezing out its fifth-largest trading partner through the closure of the mission. China welcomed the decision, with an embassy official in Port Moresby saying it would further consolidate the political foundation for bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.
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The decision highlights the balancing act facing Papua New Guinea as it manages relations with China, Taiwan and Australia. In the Pacific, diplomatic recognition and trade offices often carry wider significance because they can signal alignment on broader regional security and economic questions. For Beijing, support for the One China principle remains a central diplomatic objective, while Taiwan continues to rely on representative offices to maintain practical ties with countries that do not formally recognise it.
What remains unclear is how quickly the closure will be carried out and what arrangements, if any, will be made for staff and services in Port Moresby. It is also not yet clear whether Taiwan's office will be allowed to continue operating in any reduced form or whether talks between the two sides will change the outcome. The decision is likely to be watched closely for signs of how Papua New Guinea intends to balance its ties with China and its new security relationship with Australia.
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