Beijing has warned Papua New Guinea against undermining China's interests and sovereignty after the tiny nation signed a defense pact with Australia, widely seen as a counterbalancing act to restrict its growing influence in the Pacific region.
This week, Australia and Papua New Guinea agreed on the text of a deal that would see the two nations jointly fighting and defending against external threats. Asked about the deal, a Beijing spokesperson at the embassy in Port Moresby said China respected Papua New Guinea's right to make deals with other countries.
Yet, these deals must not be “exclusive” in nature and should not prevent the country from cooperating with other nations, he said. They warned, “the nation also refrains from targeting any third party, including China, or undermining the national interest and legitimate rights.”
China always advocates for “better relations among everyone by upholding independence and self-reliance.” Beijing invested billions of dollars in Pacific nations over the recent decades, funding hospitals, sports infrastructure, roads and other public works in an attempt to win the favour of the countries.
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Meanwhile, Australia has recently started engaging with the region in an attempt to counter China’s rising influence in the region, though it may not be enough since Beijing has already started exerting dominance in the Pacific region. Further, the two nations have said that the treaty will be signed after the cabinet processes in both countries.
The text 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 clear nod to China. Prime Minister James Marape said he respects Beijing’s concerns and will be sending the defence minister to discuss the deal with China later this week.
All the small Pacific nations have severed their ties with Taiwan over the dispute with China; the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru have all supported Beijing on the Taiwan issue.
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