China Warns Papua New Guinea Over Planned Australia Defense Pact

Papua New Guinea is delaying the signing of a mutual defense pact with Australia, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, which would formalize military alliance and mutual defense commitments between the two countries. China has publicly warned Papua New Guinea against signing any exclusive defense agreements that could undermine its sovereignty or restrict cooperation with third parties, implicitly referencing its own strategic interests in the Pacific region. Chinese officials emphasized the importance of maintaining "mutually beneficial cooperation" with Beijing and cautioned against deals that target or harm the legitimate rights of other nations. The treaty text reportedly includes provisions ensuring that cooperation with third parties would not be compromised, addressing concerns about exclusivity. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape plans to send his defense minister to China to discuss the pact, highlighting the delicate balance the island nation seeks to maintain between Australia and China. Both Australia and Papua New Guinea expect the treaty to be signed soon after cabinet approvals, following its delay due to procedural issues during PNG's independence celebrations.