Anthony Albanese and James Marape, pictured at Suncorp Stadium in September, have announced the new PNG team will enter the NRL in 2028. Photo: AAP / Darren England
The Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea has commented on a defence treaty between Australia and PNG.
The Pukpuk Treaty has been described as a new mutual security deal between the two nations.
It has not been formally signed, but a joint communiqué was released last week.
According to the communiqué, the deal would recognise that an armed attack on Australia or Papua New Guinea would be a danger to both countries.
A spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in PNG said the Chinese side adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.
"We respect PNG's right to conclude a bilateral treaty with other countries on a voluntary basis," a statement on the Embassy's social media said.
"However, such a treaty should not be exclusive in nature, nor should it restrict or prevents a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party for any reason.
"We hope that the PNG side will continue to uphold independence and self-reliance, properly handle issues bearing on its sovereignty and long-term interests, and work with China to maintain the sound development of China-PNG relations and mutually beneficial cooperation."
China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was asked if the ministry had an opinion on the agreement and whether China saw Australia's attempts to sign security deals with Pacific nations as a threat to regional peace and security.
Lin said China welcomes closer cooperation between Pacific island countries (PICs) and other countries.
"We actively help PICs grow the economy and deliver better lives for their people. That being said, we believe that cooperation between PICs and any country should put the independence and development of PICs first, uphold openness and inclusiveness, and not target any third party."
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape last week rebuffed any question of China wanting to scuttle the deal.
