PNG assessing China’s offer for a security pact says country’s top diplomat

The Peoples Republic of China has put on table a bilateral security proposal to the PNG Government  

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed "China has offered to assist in the policing sector” - in training and for supply of equipment to our [PNG] internal security sector.

The country’s top diplomat said “this offer is being carefully assessed, as we do not want to duplicate or compromise [security] agreements already in place with our traditional security partners, Australia, and the United States of America”.

In 2023, PNG and USA agreed to a Defense Cooperation Agreement for PNG’s external security and also an internal security agreement with Australia. 

"The Priority for the Marape-Rosso Government now, is to implement security agreements with Australia and the United States, that have already been signed, for the long term security benefit of PNG, and the Indo Pacific Region," Mr Tkatchenko said.

The foreign affairs minister’s statement follows recent concerns of a ‘Security Deal’ supposedly struck between China and PNG.

He further said, PNG is committed to the ‘One China Policy’ because China is one of the country’s top trading partner.

"We have a long standing and genuine relationship with China, where we can agree to disagree."

"China and Papua New Guinea have other existing agreements and memorandums of understanding for implementation,” Mr Tkatchenko said.

Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill raised concerns about the PNG’s government discussions with China on an internal security agreement.

He said despite China being one of our largest trading partner and an important international friend to our country.

“Before and since Independence, PNG has rightfully stuck to Australia when it comes to providing for security for our country and the Pacific region. Australia shares the Pacific’s geographic place in the world, and we value each other’s democratic and human rights principles.

“This makes sense, and we can see our nearest neighbor Indonesia also continues to enhance its security ties to Australia.

“There is no reason why the current Government, on shaky ground themselves, should be choosing to sign a secret security deal with China late last year and now, enter into practical discussions about Policing and other security arrangements,” Mr O’Neill said.