Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko said on Wednesday the Pacific Island nation was “crystal clear” in partnering with Australia for security, as China pushes to expand its police role in a region where it is a major lender.
Australia sent seven ministers and its police chief to Papua New Guinea to hold security and trade talks with its northern neighbour on Wednesday, with Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles noting it was the largest such delegation sent to any country.
On Thursday, the delegation will travel to the scene of last month’s deadly landslide in remote Enga province, with Australia announcing support for a program to improve stability in PNG’s highlands, including weapons management. Tribal conflict had hampered rescuers reaching the landslide.
The security and trade talks were held a day after China’s Premier Li Qiang visited Australia. China has also sought a policing deal with PNG, and says it has a plan to help Pacific Island countries with social order.
