Taiwan says it rejects Papua New Guinea’s decision to shut down its representative office in Port Moresby, as China welcomed the move.
China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes the self-governed democratic island’s participation in international organisations and exchanges with other countries.
Like many countries, PNG has formal diplomatic relations with China, but allows Taiwan to have a representative office.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its strong protest against this (decision), which was taken without prior consultation with our side,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Our representative office in Papua New Guinea will continue to operate as normal and, in accordance with relevant regulations, safeguard our national interests and provide necessary services to our nationals,” the statement added.
Taiwan has been Solomon Islands diplomatic ally for 36 years until 2019 when the then Sogavare Government switched from Taipei to Beijing.
That decision sparked intense geopolitical competition between China and the West after Honiara signed a secret security agreement with Beijing.
PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko posted on Facebook on July 16 a statement from his office announcing the “immediate cessation of operations” and “formal closure” of the Taipei Economic Office.
The statement, dated July 15, said the decision underscored the PNG government’s “unwavering commitment to honoring, respecting, and upholding Papua New Guinea’s foundational One-China Policy”.
Speaking to AFP, Tkatchenko said Taipei was informed of the decision to close the office “weeks ago”.
He also said the move did not impact commercial contracts between Taiwan’s CPC Corporation and PNG’s liquefied natural gas exporter, PNG LNG.
“That office doesn’t affect their business and contract. That office doesn’t do anything,” Tkatchenko said.
China’s foreign ministry said it “highly appreciates” PNG’s decision to close Taiwan’s office.
“China stands ready to continue firmly supporting Papua New Guinea on issues concerning each other’s core interests and to work together to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular briefing.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it has contacted “like-minded countries to seek the attention and support of the international community” and was considering “appropriate response measures”. – Source: AFP
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