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AAP
AAP
Politics
Fraser Barton and Tess Ikonomou

PNG talks embrace ties, keep China at arm's length

Australia PNG United States Papua New Guinea Richard Marles
Papua New Guinea and Australia have forged closer ties with defence treaty negotiations. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

A warm embrace has marked defence treaty talks between Australia and Papua New Guinea, giving the cold shoulder to China's Indo-Pacific influence.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles got up close and personal with PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph in Brisbane on Thursday, starting negotiations that look set to keep China's interest at arm's length.

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