Key facts
- Guo Jiakun said China is ready to increase LNG imports from Papua New Guinea and deepen economic and trade cooperation.
- Guo said the PNG government's decision showed support for the one-China principle, according to Chinadaily.com.cn.
- Taiwan's office announced the closure of its Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby and said no new spot LNG contracts would be signed.
China said on November 9 it was willing to increase imports of liquefied natural gas from Papua New Guinea and deepen economic and trade cooperation, according to Chinadaily.com.cn. The offer followed Taiwan's announcement that it would sign no new spot LNG contracts with the Pacific nation after the closure of its office in Port Moresby.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing welcomed Papua New Guinea's decision to close Taiwan's representative office, describing it as evidence of international support for the one-China principle. "China appreciates this and will continue working with PNG to firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns," Guo said, according to Chinadaily.com.cn.
Taiwan's office announced the closure of the Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby and said no new spot contracts for LNG purchases would be signed, Chinadaily.com.cn reported. The Nikkei report, dated November 11, said Taiwan had ceased spot-market LNG purchases from Papua New Guinea after the forced closure of its office.