【By Observer News, Yuan Jiaqi】

On the occasion of Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary of independence, Australia had planned to sign a major security and defense agreement with the country this week, elevating their military relations to an alliance level.

Australian media previously revealed that the new agreement would achieve "full integration" of the two countries' military forces, allowing Papua New Guinean citizens to join the Australian military, enjoy equal pay, and have a pathway to Australian citizenship. In addition, the agreement requires that if either country faces a military attack, the other must provide protection, and activities conducted by either party with a third party should not harm the purpose of the treaty.

However, the defense agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea was not finalized on the day. The two prime ministers ultimately signed a joint statement on Wednesday (17th). Australian media explained that since the Papua New Guinean cabinet had not yet approved the agreement, its nature was downgraded from a "treaty" to a "statement." Australian Prime Minister Albanese insisted that the treaty will be officially signed in the "next few weeks."

Some Western media have repeatedly hyped up the claim that this agreement will help Australia counter China's growing influence in the Pacific region.

On September 17th, at the regular press conference of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson Lin Jian responded to the issue, stating that the biggest challenge faced by the Pacific island countries, including Papua New Guinea, is to address climate change and accelerate development. China welcomes other countries to strengthen cooperation with the island countries, actively helping them develop their economy and improve people's livelihoods. China also believes that any cooperation between countries and the island nations should prioritize the island nations' independent development, be open and inclusive, and not target a third party.

On local time September 18th, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea also responded to the issue of the joint statement signed by Australia and Papua New Guinea, stating, "China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. We respect Papua New Guinea's right to conclude bilateral treaties with other countries on a voluntary basis. However, such treaties should not be exclusive, nor should they limit or hinder sovereign states from cooperating with a third party for any reason, let alone target a third party or damage the legitimate rights and interests of a third party."

"We hope that Papua New Guinea will continue to uphold its independence and autonomy, properly handle matters involving its sovereignty and long-term interests, and work together with China to maintain the good momentum of Sino-Papua New Guinea relations and mutually beneficial cooperation."

Australian media commented that since the details of the treaty were disclosed this week, the statement released by the Chinese embassy is the "harshest public response" made by China on this matter.

Local time September 17th, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape of Papua New Guinea (right) and Australian Prime Minister Albanese sign a joint statement. Visual China

According to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reports, China is one of the most important trade partners of Papua New Guinea. Domestic defense experts in Papua New Guinea are concerned that the high-level defense agreement signed with Australia may put pressure on the country's relationship with China.

On local time September 19th, Michael Kabuni, a Papua New Guinean political scientist from the Australian National University, also raised doubts in a blog post about whether the treaty aligns with Papua New Guinea's true security needs.

He argued that this defense treaty contradicts Papua New Guinea's long-standing policy of "being friends with all countries and not enemies with any." The treaty could significantly affect Papua New Guinea's growing economic relationship with China.

The blog pointed out that compared to enhancing the combat readiness of the armed forces, even possibly committing troops to overseas operations, Papua New Guinea has more pressing priorities to address.

"Papua New Guinea truly needs to build a coast guard system, which includes maritime patrols, satellite monitoring, fisheries enforcement, customs and border police, engineering units, and disaster response teams," wrote Kabuni. "Similarly, land border control also requires similar investments; as for tribal conflicts and crime issues, the best solution is to expand the police force, equip them with equipment, and introduce the latest technology."

The blog also warned that Papua New Guinea is already known for political instability, and increasing investment in defense forces could further destabilize the country. He used Fiji as an example, saying, "An army with resources far exceeding reasonable proportions may become a political threat."

In addition, the blog emphasized another risk: in Papua New Guinea, the general populace is usually bound by obligations to tribes or clans, which could lead to weapons in the military flowing into "tribal conflicts, thus triggering or going beyond the control of the state."

Australian media also noted that on the day the joint statement was signed, both Australia and Papua New Guinea denied the claim that "China exerted pressure to block the signing of the agreement."

According to reports, during a joint press conference, when some Australian media claimed that "China would use the delay of the agreement to block the signing of the defense agreement," Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Marape clearly opposed this claim.

He said, "We should give China the respect it deserves. They have always been a long-term friend of Papua New Guinea. At the same time, China knows that we have the right to choose our security partners independently."

As the press conference was coming to an end, Marape further revealed that he will soon send the Minister of Defense Joseph to China and other countries in the region that have security interests, "to explain the specific content and significance of the treaty to all parties."

"Over the past 50 years, China has always been a good friend of Papua New Guinea," he reiterated, stating that China "absolutely did not" pressure Papua New Guinea not to sign the defense agreement with Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese also denied the claim that "Australia rushed to reach an agreement to exclude China." He also emphasized that there is currently no foreign power trying to disrupt the process of signing this treaty.

Although both governments insisted that the delay of the agreement is temporary and the text content has been agreed upon, Professor Don Rothwell, an international law professor at the Australian National University, pointed out that there is still a possibility for the two countries to make changes to the agreement content before the final signing.

"Technically speaking, negotiations are still ongoing before the signing of the treaty. Therefore, if the Papua New Guinean cabinet requests adjustments to the wording of the treaty, this possibility still exists," he said.

This article is an exclusive contribution by Observer News. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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