China's Foreign Minister has used a visit to Papua New Guinea to take a swipe at Australia's nuclear submarines, claiming it isn't in the best interests of Pacific islands. It comes as the two countries signed an agreement deepening economic ties.

Port Moresby

China has recently reinforced its partnership with Papua New Guinea (PNG), marking a significant move in the Pacific region. During the visit of China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to PNG, an agreement was signed between the two countries to deepen economic ties. This visit, Wang's fourth to the country, highlights the continuing effort by China to strengthen relations with PNG, aiming to enhance economic cooperation.

Wang Yi and PNG officials discussed ways to facilitate PNG's exportation of cocoa and coffee beans to China. This agreement is seen as a breakthrough for PNG, offering it access to one of the world's largest markets. This development is part of China's broader strategy to cement its influence in the Pacific, amidst geopolitical competition in the region.

In addition to economic discussions, Wang Yi made comments critical of Australia's nuclear submarine program, suggesting it does not serve the interests of Pacific island countries. He emphasized the importance of non-interference and mutual respect among nations, contrasting this with the perceived implications of the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Wang Yi's remarks coincided with preparations for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to PNG. Albanese's visit, which includes a symbolic walk with PNG Prime Minister James Marape on the Kokoda Track ahead of Anzac Day, underscores the historical and security ties between Australia and PNG.

The engagement between China and PNG, particularly in expanding economic cooperation and trade, reflects PNG's view of China as a key partner in its quest for economic development and improved living standards. Meanwhile, the upcoming visit by Prime Minister Albanese to PNG is a reminder of the longstanding connections and shared history between Australia and PNG.



China deepens ties with Papua New Guinea amid Pacific push

A warm greeting and a sign of a growing friendship. China's top diplomat Wang Yi is no stranger to PNG. On his fourth visit, he's intent on deepening economic ties. My dear foreign minister, welcome back to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and thank you for coming. Agreements signed after the meeting will allow PNG to more readily export to China key products like cocoa and coffee beans. This is a huge success, minister. This will allow the opportunity now to access one of the biggest markets in the world. Amid jostling for geopolitical influence in the region, Minister Wang urged for non-interference. Pacific island countries are the home of the people in this region. They are not the backyard of any major country. China has been less than open about its own security and policing deals with the neighbouring Solomon Islands. Minister Wang also took aim at the AUKUS partnership. Instigating division is not in line with the urgent needs of Pacific island countries. The barbs come just before Prime Minister Albanese returns to Papua New Guinea, this time for a four-day visit where he and PNG Prime Minister James Marape will walk a section of the Kokoda Track in the lead-up to Anzac Day. The Anzac spirit is as much as ours, as much as it is Australian and Nigerian. These few days are quite reflective of Papua New Guinea's position. It sees China as an increasingly vital partner to empower its economy and improve living standards. When the Australian and Papua New Guinean Prime Ministers walk the Kokoda Track together from Tuesday, it will bring into sharp focus the shared military and security history that underpins the relationship.

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