China said on Monday it welcomed Papua New Guinea's decision to close Taiwan's so-called representative office and was willing to import more liquefied natural gas from the Pacific nation, after the Taiwan region said it would sign no new spot contracts for the fuel.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the PNG government's decision once again showed that upholding the one-China principle is where international public opinion trends and the arc of history bends.

"China appreciates this and will continue working with PNG to firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns," Guo said in response to a question raised after Monday's regular news briefing.

READ MORE: China, Papua New Guinea mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

Guo said China stands ready to increase imports of liquefied natural gas from PNG, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and other areas, and add new dimensions to their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Taiwan's so-called "foreign affairs office" announced the closure of the "Taipei Economic Office" in Port Moresby, capital of PNG, on Friday, and said that "no new spot contracts" for purchasing liquefied natural gas will be signed with the Pacific nation.