Archive · 18 Jul 2026
US Concern Over PNG Taiwan Office Closure
Papua New Guinea has decided to close Taiwan’s representative office in its capital, Port Moresby.
The US is worried about this decision, saying it is part of China’s efforts to pressure Taiwan and its friends.
China is happy with Papua New Guinea’s choice, but Taiwan is upset because it feels China is making it hard for them to have relationships with other countries.
Only a few countries, including three in the Pacific, still have official ties with Taiwan.
New Zealand knows about the closure and wants to learn more.
This situation shows how China and Taiwan are competing for influence in the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea ordered the closure of Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby.
The US expressed deep concern, viewing the move as part of China’s intimidation campaign against Taiwan.
China commended Papua New Guinea’s decision, while Taiwan criticized it, citing a difficult diplomatic environment.
Only 12 countries, including three in the Pacific, maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
New Zealand is aware of the decision and seeks further information.
- Who
- Papua New Guinea, China, Taiwan, US, New Zealand
- What
- Closure of Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby
- When
- Announced on Thursday, with reactions on Friday
- Where
- Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Why
- Papua New Guinea maintains formal diplomatic relations with China, not Taiwan
China
Taiwan and US
Sovereignty of Taiwan
China
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects any suggestion that the island has the attributes of a sovereign state.
Taiwan and US
Taiwan, which is democratically governed, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains its international relationships.
Closure of Taiwan's Office
China
China highly commends Papua New Guinea's decision to close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby.
Taiwan and US
The US and Taiwan criticize the move, viewing it as part of Beijing’s broader campaign to intimidate Taiwan and its international partners.
- Countries with Diplomatic Ties to Taiwan
- 12
- Pacific Countries with Diplomatic Ties to Taiwan
- 3 (Palau, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands)
- US Stance
- Deeply concerned, views the move as intimidation by China
- China's Stance
- Highly commends Papua New Guinea's decision
- Taiwan's Stance
- Criticizes the move, faces difficult diplomatic environment
- New Zealand's Stance
- Aware of the decision, seeking further information