The revelation about the proposed policing deal, discussed before Anthony Albanese visited PNG, underscores Beijing’s determination to gain a security footing in the Pacific region.
China’s top diplomat pushed for Papua New Guinea to sign a policing agreement with Beijing during a trip to Port Moresby last month, forcing Australian and PNG officials to scramble to prevent an embarrassment for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese before his visit to our closest neighbour.
Eager to avoid causing offence to Albanese before his visit, Marape and PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko intervened in the policing deal with China to ensure it was put on ice despite Wang’s energetic efforts to finalise an agreement. Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has argued “there is no role for China in policing, or broader security, in the Pacific”, and that such matters should be handled by Pacific nations including Australia.A PNG official said Marape and Justin Tkatchenko were determined not to derail Albanese’s trip, which included spending two nights camping in remote jungle villages, so they sent discussions on the policing pact back to lower-level officials for further workshopping.
“It’s remarkable Australia was able to deflect this at the last minute given the odds were stacked against it,” Sora said. This included $110 million will to establish a new police recruit and investigations centre in Port Moresby, which was the scene of deadly riots in January.
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