Foreign media reported today (September 19): "In response to Australia and Papua New Guinea's plan to sign a mutual defense treaty, the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea warned that it should not damage China's interests and sovereignty, and called on Papua New Guinea to maintain independence and continue to promote cooperation with China."
It is said that the treaty aims to elevate Australia-Papua New Guinea relations to the same level as Australia-US relations. For a long time, Australia has regarded the Pacific islands as its "sphere of influence," and China's cooperation with local countries has always raised its vigilance. Since last year, Australia has been active: funding support for Solomon Islands to expand its police force, signing a security treaty with Nauru, and now pushing for a defense agreement with Papua New Guinea. The core purpose is to consolidate its "backyard" and compete with China for regional influence, rallying Pacific countries against China. However, the reality is that China's cooperation with Pacific island countries brings tangible development benefits, which Australia cannot match.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843685534608396/
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