PAPUA NEW GUINEA ISSUES DEPARTURE NOTIFICATION TO TAIWAN TRADE OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES
Port Moresby, Friday, 6th November, 2026
The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elias Wohengu, OBE, today served a Notification directing the Departure of the Representative of the Taiwan Economic and Trade Office in Port Moresby, Mr. Chen Yu Chiu, as part of the Government’s decision to close the office.
The closure follows National Executive Council (NEC) Decision, which directed the office to close within 12 months, consistent with Papua New Guinea’s One China Policy. The directives to two of the three officials at the Taiwanese Office is part of the closure process effected by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The notification was presented during a meeting between Secretary Wohengu and Mr. Chen, witnessed by the Chief Migration Officer, Mr. Wellington Navasivu. The Secretary acknowledged that Mr. Chen and his staff have been fully cooperative with the Government’s requests during preparations for closure.
The Department has noted public statements attributed to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 6 October 2026 concerning the continued operation of its representative office in Port Moresby. Secretary Wohengu clarified that the Government’s decision to close the office remains in effect. Continued communication with the Department during preparations for closure should not be interpreted as withdrawal, suspension or reversal of that decision.
“The Department’s engagement with the Taiwan Economic and Trade Office is intended to facilitate an orderly and respectful implementation of the Government’s decision. Maintaining dialogue enables practical matters relating to the closure and the departure of personnel to be addressed through appropriate diplomatic channels and international law including the Vienna Conventions,” Secretary Wohengu said.
The Secretary explained that the 12-month timeframe provides for completion of the closure process. It should not be interpreted as an assurance that all existing staffing and operational arrangements will remain unchanged throughout that period. The departure notification forms part of that implementation process.
“Papua New Guinea values its trade and economic exchanges with Taiwan and the contributions these have made to our people. The closure of the office does not signify an end to those economic and people to people ties which can be pursued on other platforms. We intend to maintain constructive communication while giving effect to the Government’s One China Policy and the National Executive Council’s decision,” he said.
Secretary Wohengu has given the Taiwan Economic Office Representative Mr. Chen Yu Chiu and First Secretary Mr. Chung-Nun Lee to depart the shores of PNG within seven (7) days of his service of directives to leave PNG.
Only Mr. Shao-jyun Pan will remain to fully close the Office with earlier directed timelines.
