Snapshot 4:Fri, Sep 19, 2025 6:27:15 PM GMT last edited by Kevin

China Warns PNG Against Australia Defense Pact After Treaty Delay

story

SEP 19

Above: PNG PM James Marape shakes hands with China FM Wang Yi in Port Moresby on April 21, 2024. Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images

story last updated SEP 19

The Spin

The joint communique represents a significant step forward in Australia-PNG relations, establishing core principles for a historic defense alliance that PNG itself initiated, — having made clear to China that isit has "security partners of choice." Both leaders confirmed the treaty text has been agreed upon and will proceed through proper democratic processes, demonstrating respect for institutional procedures rather than rushing important agreements.

Anthony Albanese on X RNZ

The joint communique with PNG is being spun as a procedural delay, but it is a clear setback. Australia’s repeated diplomatic failures in the Pacific — botching defence deals with Vanuatu and PNG within a week — exposesexpose a foreign policy mindset that remains trapped by excessive dependence on America and irrational fear of China. The joint communique with PNG is being spun as a procedural delay, but it is a clear setback. The government'’s rush to secure defensedefence treaties before meeting Trump revealsshows howit Australia views everything through the lens of U.S. alliance obligations rather than understanding what Pacific communities’ actuallyactual needneeds for their wellbeing and security.

Australian Financial Review The Guardian

Australia's diplomaticcontradictory failuresapproach inof thepursuing Pacificeconomic exposebenefits awith concerningChina patternwhile ofsimultaneously poorbuilding preparationmilitary andalliances culturalagainst insensitivityBeijing represents an unsustainable two-faced policy that underminesescalates regional relationshipstensions. The government'sdefense inabilitypact to secure agreements with bothPNG Vanuatuclearly andtargets PNGChina's withinlegitimate ainterests weekin revealsthe aPacific, fundamentalexposing misunderstandingAustralia's ofcalculations Pacificto dynamicsbenefit andfrom antrade arrogantwhile approachundermining thatChina's treatscore sovereignsecurity nationsconcerns asthrough subordinatesexclusive rathermilitary than equal partnersarrangements.