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Australia and Papua New Guinea say the mutual defence treaty will likely be signed after cupboard processes in each international locations, following a delay this week. File | Photo Credit: AP
China cautioned Papua New Guinea in opposition to “undermining” its pursuits and sovereignty in signing a mutual defence pact with Australia extensively seen as a counter to Beijing’s rising affect within the Pacific.
Australia and Papua New Guinea this week agreed on the textual content of a deal which is able to see the international locations decide to defending one another from armed assaults.
Asked concerning the deal, a spokesperson for Beijing’s embassy in Port Moresby mentioned China revered Papua New Guinea’s proper to strike offers with different international locations.
But such a deal shouldn’t be “exclusive”, nor prohibit Papua New Guinea from cooperating with different international locations, the spokesperson mentioned late Thursday (September 18, 2025).
“It should also refrain from targeting any third party or undermining its legitimate rights and interests,” they warned.
China urged the nation to take care of “mutually beneficial cooperation” with Beijing and “uphold independence and self-reliance”.
Beijing has dedicated billions of {dollars} to Pacific nations over the previous decade, funding hospitals, sports activities stadiums, roads and different public works in an try and win their favour.
Canberra has stepped up its engagement with the area in a bid to counter China’s affect.
Australia and Papua New Guinea say the treaty will likely be signed after cupboard processes in each international locations, following a delay this week.
The textual content of their deal says “any activities, agreements or arrangements with third parties would not compromise the ability of either of the Parties to implement the Treaty” — a transparent nod to China.
Prime Minister James Marape mentioned he would ship his defence minister, Billy Joseph, to China to debate the settlement.
To the north of former colonial energy Australia, Papua New Guinea is the most important and most populous state in Melanesia.
Beijing’s financial assist within the Pacific seems to be paying dividends, with Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Nauru all severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China in recent times.
Published – September 19, 2025 11:29 am IST
