Lin Chia-lung

Stories

Taiwan closes Papua New Guinea office and halts LNG purchases, blaming China

Announced the office closure on Nov. 6, 2026

Taiwan is closing its representative office in Port Moresby and withdrawing its staff from Papua New Guinea. Taipei is also ending technical aid and will not sign new spot contracts for Papua New Guinea's liquefied natural gas.

Updated 2 days ago

The $11.1B Taiwan arms tranche: Washington bets big on long-range firepower, Beijing sees a red line

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Engaging Washington as the tranche enters congressional review

The record Taiwan arms tranche (about $11.1B across eight DSCA notifications) is now in the congressional review lane. Taiwan's Defense Ministry and presidential office emphasized the buys are contingent on legislative funding. Local reporting shows five of eight cases sit in a pending NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget — meaning the political fight in Taipei throttles how fast the package moves from 'possible sale' to signed LOAs.

Updated May 15

Notable Quotes

Taiwan will not sign any new spot natural gas purchase contracts with Papua New Guinea.

from Taiwan closes Papua New Guinea office and halts LNG purchases, blaming China · Updated 2 days ago

"[The U.S.] long-term support for regional security and Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities" is key to deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait. (Lin Chia-lung, December 2025)

from The $11.1B Taiwan arms tranche: Washington bets big on long-range firepower, Beijing sees a red line · Updated May 15