PAPUA New Guinea has ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan’s Economic Office in a move which strengthened Port Moresby’s alignment with Beijing and drew a sharp protest from Taipei.
Taiwan said it had not been consulted and rejected the decision.
Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the shutdown followed National Executive Council Decision No. 144/2026 and reflected Papua New Guinea’s commitment to its One-China policy.
The office would “immediately cease operations,” and its physical presence would no longer be recognised in Papua New Guinea, he said.
“The National Government views this administrative alignment as a vital and necessary step toward deepening state-to-state trust, reinforcing our shared values, and elevating the bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea and the People’s Republic of China to unprecedented levels,” Tkatchenko said.
He said Papua New Guinea “highly values its long-standing partnership with China” and looked to expand strategic cooperation, trade and socio-economic development.
China welcomed the move. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the decision “once again proves that adherence to the One-China principle reflects the prevailing trend and receives broad support from the international community.”
Taipei said it had learned of the decision unilaterally and had not been consulted in advance.
Taiwan said it had “deep regret” over the announcement and did not accept the move, which it said undermined “the mutual trust built over years of practical cooperation.”
“The Government of Taiwan expresses its deep regret that the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government made this announcement unilaterally and without prior, formal consultation with the Taiwan side,” the statement said.
Taiwan said the Taipei Economic Office in Papua New Guinea continued to operate normally for now, and that it was engaging and negotiating with the PNG Government through multiple diplomatic channels to protect its national interests and the rights of its citizens and businesses in the region.
The statement also said Taipei would review the situation and was prepared to reorganise its PNG-related institutions and agencies.
“Our priority remains steadfast: safeguarding Taiwan’s national dignity and securing our strategic interests,” it said.
Papua New Guinea is among more than 180 countries that recognise Beijing rather than Taipei.
The closure comes as China expands its diplomatic and economic presence across the Pacific, where competition with Taiwan and the United States has intensified.
