Port Moresby:Washington The United States government has raised concerns regarding the enforced closure of Taiwan's representative office in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by the PNG government. This development is seen as part of Beijing's intimidation tactics against Taiwan.

According to Focus Taiwan, an unnamed U.S. State Department spokesman expressed deep concerns about reports indicating that the PNG government unilaterally ordered the closure of the Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby. The spokesman highlighted Taiwan as a reliable and democratic partner whose international relationships benefit countries like Papua New Guinea.

The spokesman further stated that the closure is another instance of Beijing's intimidation campaign against Taiwan and its global supporters, which undermines the sovereign choices of countries opting to partner with Taiwan, posing threats to international peace and prosperity.

The U.S. State Department's comments were in response to a request for input on Taiwan's decision to close its representative office, established in 1990 without formal diplomatic ties. The decision followed renewed demands from the PNG government for the Taipei Economic Office personnel to leave and the office to shut down, as reported by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

MOFA emphasized that the decision was taken in consideration of national dignity, diplomatic autonomy, and national interests, leading to the closure of the office and withdrawal of personnel, alongside a review of bilateral relations.

The issue arose after PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced on July 16 the immediate closure of Taiwan's office, adhering to the "one-China" policy. Despite PNG's announcement, Taiwan lodged a formal protest and kept the office operational, while suspending liquefied natural gas purchases from PNG in July in response to the situation.