China Warns Papua New Guinea Not To 'Play Eyes' With Australia

Illustration of warships guarding Pacific waters. (Unsplash-Jeremy Huang)

JAKARTA - China warned Papua New Guinea against shaking the sovereignty of the bamboo curtain country following the arrival of a joint defense pact with Australia. The deal is considered an attempt to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific.

Quoting AN, Friday 19 September, Australia and Papua New Guinea earlier this week agreed on an agreement that would make the two countries committed to protecting each other from armed attacks.

A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea said his country respects the right of Papua New Guinea to make an agreement with other countries.

However, he continued, such agreements should not be "exclusive" or limit Papua New Guinea to cooperate with other countries.

"This country must also refrain from targeting any third party or destroying its legitimate rights and interests," said a spokesman for the Chinese embassy.

China hopes that cooperation with Papua New Guinea, which is mutually beneficial, will continue to run by "reaching high independence and independence."

China has committed billions of dollars to Pacific countries over the past decade, funding hospitals, sports stadiums, highways, and other public jobs in a bid to win their hearts.

On the one hand, Australia has stepped up its engagement with the region in an effort to counter China's influence.

Regarding the agreement that made China speak up, Australia and Papua New Guinea will sign after the second cabinet process is completed.

In the agreement document, the two countries stated "every activity, agreement, or arrangement with a third party will not jeopardize the ability of either party to implement the Agreement" as a clear signal to China.