Papua New Guinea (PNG) announced on Thursday, July 17th, 2026, that it will close Taiwan's trade mission in its capital, Port Moresby, effectively freezing out its fifth largest trading partner. PNG's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko stated that Taiwan's presence was "no longer recognised or required" in the country, describing the move as a "vital" step toward deepening trust with Beijing and reaffirming PNG's commitment to the One China policy.

Taiwanese officials in Port Moresby were reportedly caught off guard by the decision, learning of it only when contacted by ABC Australia News. Minister Tkatchenko noted that PNG's Department of Foreign Affairs had communicated with the Taipei office prior to the announcement but declined to provide further comment.

Taiwan's foreign ministry opposed the "unilateral decision" and affirmed its intention to continue its presence in Papua New Guinea. It stated, "Our representative office in Papua New Guinea will continue to operate normally and, in accordance with relevant regulations, safeguard our nation's rights and interests and provide necessary services to our nationals."

A Chinese embassy official in Port Moresby praised the decision, calling it "a right decision" that would "further consolidate political foundation for the development of China-PNG bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields."

Mihai Sora, research director at the Lowy Institute, explained that PNG's move was designed to secure diplomatic ties with Beijing while simultaneously deepening security cooperation with Australia. He remarked, "[Papua New Guinea] has chosen to provide reassurance to Beijing at a time when you can imagine senior officials and political figures in Beijing might be concerned that PNG is pulling very closely to Australia."

This development follows PNG's 2023 decision to close its trade office in Taiwan and replace it with a downgraded presence known as the PNG Taipei Economic Office.

Sources