Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) says that Taiwan’s diplomatic situation is very difficult, as China suppresses Taiwan’s opportunities to expand its international space at every turn. This came on Friday, July 17, in response to Papua New Guinea’s unilateral decision to immediately shut down Taiwan’s representative office in the country.

Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko issued an unannounced declaration on Wednesday, July 15, saying that Taiwan’s representative office, the Taipei Economic Office, would cease operations immediately.

Hsiao said the closure was a setback, but Taiwan will continue to press forward, expanding international cooperation and exchanges.

On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said that Papua New Guinea’s decision to shutter the representative office in the country was made without prior consultation with Taiwan. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said that Taiwan does not accept this unilateral decision, and that the office will continue to operate normally, safeguarding Taiwan’s rights and interests and providing necessary services to Taiwanese nationals in accordance with relevant regulations.

Spokesperson Hsiao added that the Foreign Ministry is in contact with like-minded countries to seek international attention and support. It has also convened an emergency response meeting and will work with relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation and economic and trade relations between Taiwan and Papua New Guinea. The ministry will examine necessary and appropriate measures to safeguard Taiwan’s interests and dignity.