Deputy Prime Minister downplays security concerns from Beijing as Papua New Guinea League announcement approaches.
In response to Beijing’s overt efforts to build influence, democratic nations have intensified their diplomatic efforts in recent years.
As a proposed $600 million taxpayer-backed deal for a Papua New Guinea-based (PNG) rugby league team approaches, Labor ministers are facing questions about the expense and the potential threat from Beijing.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles avoided direct references to the communist threat in the developing country but highlighted Australia’s connections.
“We aim to be PNG’s preferred security partner, and we believe that we are,” Marles stated during an ABC Breakfast interview on Dec. 6.
No specific details about a possible agreement were provided.
Minister Stays Quiet on Security Concerns
The National Rugby League (NRL) is expected to announce the entry of a Port Moresby-based team next week.
Australia’s financial support is part of a broader strategy to strengthen PNG’s ties with Australia, potentially creating a defense against Beijing’s attempts to establish a military or police presence in the Pacific nation.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been actively expanding its influence in the South Pacific, particularly in the Solomon Islands, where the CCP’s military arm signed a security agreement with the previous leadership.
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The agreement would have permitted the CCP’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy to deploy weapons, troops, and naval vessels to the island.
Democratic leaders have responded to Beijing’s aspirations with their own diplomatic initiatives across the more than 20 Pacific governments.
Meanwhile, Marles stressed that the NRL deal reflects a longstanding aspiration for both Australia and PNG.
He recalled discussions dating back to his time as Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific in 2010.
“This has been a long-standing dream of both Papua New Guinea and many of us who have collaborated with PNG over the years,” Marles mentioned.
“It’s about the strong cultural connection between our two nations. Rugby League is immensely popular in Papua New Guinea, and in terms of security, cultural engagement, or sports interaction, we seek to have the best possible relationship with Papua New Guinea.”
Security and Sovereignty: PNG’s Position
PNG Prime Minister James Marape has refuted claims that security matters are a determining factor in the NRL bid.
“There is no condition of ‘do this, and we will give you the team,'” Marape declared to reporters in Sydney on Dec. 5.
“The rugby league team stands on its own, and we are excited about moving this forward. This agreement, or this game, is not solely about our security cooperation with Australia.”
Defense Collaboration Remains Key
Marles also highlighted the defense cooperation between PNG and Australia.
“We collaborate closely with Papua New Guinea in terms of defense cooperation and ensuring the security of both our nations,” Marles stated.
While acknowledging PNG’s sovereignty in its international relations, he emphasized the importance of fostering and enhancing the bilateral relationship.
“PNG is a close ally. It is a sovereign nation with the right to establish relationships with any country it chooses, and we are clear in our engagement with PNG,” Marles added.
