Taiwan will shut its Papua New Guinea office and withdraw staff after a renewed demand for them to leave, ending aid programs and ruling out new spot-market LNG contracts.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said it made the decision after Papua New Guinea (PNG) reiterated a deadline for Taiwanese personnel to depart. The ministry cited Taiwan’s national dignity, diplomatic autonomy and overall interests.
MOFA said the suspension of spot-market LNG purchases began after PNG announced in July that it would close the office. Taiwan will not enter additional spot-market LNG contracts, the ministry said.
Taiwan had planned spot purchases of about 500,000 metric tons in the first half of 2026. MOFA said Taiwan’s purchases accounted for about one-third of PNG’s LNG exports. Taipei assessed domestic demand and arranged other sources of gas to maintain supply, the ministry said.
MOFA said the withdrawal also ends assistance programs, including scholarships and personnel training, along with technical and medical missions in PNG. The ministry accused China of using political and economic influence to restrict Taiwan’s international participation and urged the international community to oppose that pressure.
