Taiwan protests PNG decision to close office, vows to reassess ties

Taipei, July 16 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday protested Papua New Guinea's (PNG) decision to close Taiwan's representative office, saying the office will remain open and that Taipei will reassess bilateral ties before taking further steps.

PNG's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko abruptly announced the closure of Taiwan's representative office in the country without prior negotiation with Taiwan, MOFA said in response to a CNA inquiry Thursday evening.

Taiwan rejected PNG's unilateral decision and the Taipei's Economic Office in Papua New Guinea continues normal operations, MOFA told CNA.

Taiwan will reassess cooperative projects and economic exchanges with Papua New Guinea and consider necessary steps in response, the ministry said.

PNG's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a news release on Wednesday announcing the decision in which it said that the presence of the office will no longer be recognized within the jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.

Tkatchenko communicated the decision to China's ambassador to the country Yang Xiaoguang (楊曉光) this week, according to the release.

The decision underscored the government of Papua New Guinea's commitment to honor the country's fundamental one China policy, according to the statement.

Earlier Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (林劍) said PNG's move was "highly appreciated" when asked to comment by a reporter at a regular news conference, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Taiwan's representative office in Papua New Guinea was established in 1990 after a trade agreement signed the previous year, despite the absence of diplomatic ties.