Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

China highly commends the decision of the Papua New Guinea government to close the "Taipei Economic Office in Papua New Guinea (PNG)." This demonstrates once again that upholding the one-China principle is where international public opinion trends and the arc of history bends, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press conference on Thursday. 

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on the government of PNG reportedly deciding to close the "Taipei Economic Office in PNG" on July 15.

China stands ready to continue firmly supporting PNG on questions concerning each other's core interests, and to work together to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Lin said.  

PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko said on Facebook the "physical presence of Chinese Taipei will no longer be recognized or required within the jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea", Reuters reported on Thursday. 

Tkatchenko said he had told the Chinese ambassador, Yang Xiaoguang, this week of the decision, and that PNG viewed this "administrative alignment" as a vital step toward elevating ties, Reuters said. 

Some media outlets in the island of Taiwan called it a so-called "diplomatic setback" that the island is facing. 

Taiwan-based Eastern Broadcasting Co claimed on Thursday that the "Taipei Economic Office" in PNG was still operating.

"The closure of the 'Taipei Economic Office in PNG' carries significant diplomatic implications. It reflects a deeper recognition and broader acceptance of the one-China principle across the South Pacific region and among Pacific island countries as a whole," Qin Sheng, a research fellow at the Center for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

Although the so-called "Taipei Economic Office" is not an official diplomatic mission, it has in practice performed certain diplomatic functions by handling affairs related to the economy, visas, and trade under its designated title. Therefore, PNG's decision to close the office reflects a deeper understanding and stronger adherence to the one-China principle among Pacific island countries, including PNG, Qin noted. 

The closure of the "Taipei Economic Office in PNG" will also carry significant demonstration effects. Its impact extends beyond the South Pacific and is likely to resonate more broadly within the international community, the expert continued. 

"China's response also sends a clear message to countries that seek to 'play both sides' or maintain unofficial links with the DPP authorities: they should refrain from engaging in any form of official exchanges with 'Taiwan independence' forces. From China's perspective, the one-China principle leaves no room for a so-called 'gray area,'" Qin said.