Port Moresby hesitates on China deal

– Papua New Guinea said yesterday it may spurn a Chinese offer to help its struggling police force, preferring to protect ties with “traditional” security allies.

The Chinese overture came before riots erupted in the capital Port Moresby on 11 January, leading to at least 25 deaths, the government said.

Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko said: “This offer is being carefully assessed as we do not want to duplicate or compromise agreements already in place with our traditional security partners Australia and the US.

“It is not going to be the end of the world if we do not come to an understanding or agreement with China,” Tkatchenko said.

The US and its Pacific allies are fending off China’s expanding influence in the region, jolted by a secretive 2022 security pact Beijing signed with Solomon Islands.

Papua New Guinea struck separate security agreements with the US and Australia last year.

The opposition hit out at the prospect of Prime Minister James Marape’s government signing any “secret” security pact with China.

“The terrible Port Moresby riots in mid-January are testament to the division and lack of control and discipline rampant in the PNG police service,” said opposition figure Peter O’Neill, the country’s former prime minister.

Papua New Guinea had “rightfully stuck to Australia” for domestic and regional security, he added.

The Port Moresby riots broke out when members of the overstretched police force went on strike, walking off the job after their pay was mistakenly docked without explanation. –