Why US defence deal with Papua New Guinea is likely to ‘set China further back’ in the Pacific
- Papua New Guinea’s defence of a landmark US security pact has come with assurances to No 2 trade partner China that ties will not be affected
- After Philippine base deals, PNG pact will help expand ‘arc of US military power’ and put China further on the back foot, observer says
The deal signalled greater presence for the US and a further setback for China in the region, where Beijing has failed to make major inroads beyond trade despite high-level engagement in recent years, analysts said.
As the PNG government sought to allay lawmakers’ concerns over a clause giving legal immunity to US personnel posted in the island country, it also assured China that ties with the island nation’s No 2 trade partner would not be damaged.
“Our friends in China know us,” Prime Minister James Marape told parliament on Wednesday, when debate on the US deal began.
“China and Beijing also know that this government gave Beijing priority over Taipei … the Chinese government knows exactly where the heart of this government is. And that is to promote national interests, not geopolitical interests or their interests.”
“We relate to trade with them and we never compromise on trade with them,” he added.
