Beijing is bankrolling a hospital for Papua New Guinea's Defence Force (PNGDF) in a move some analysts fear could eventually lead to a much deeper Chinese military presence in the Pacific nation.
The project was publicly revealed by PNG's Chief of Defence last week during his end-of-year parade speech attended by dignitaries including China's new military attaché.
"I am grateful to announce Chinese commitment to fund the constructions of the PNGDF Military Hospital at Taurama Barracks," Major General Mark Goina said at the event on December 16.
"Work has commenced for our Defence Minister to sign the protocols for the use of the funds and scoping/design works of the Hospital in 2023," the PNGDF Commander added.
According to General Goina, the Chinese-funded initiative would come "at a cost of 31 million [Papua New Guinean] Kina" or roughly just over $13 million.
Taurama Barracks are located in PNG's capital Port Moresby and accommodated the Australian-led Pacific Islands Battalion during World War II.
In 2007, Papua New Guinea signed a deal with Beijing for China to provide half a million US dollars for the maintenance and renovation of the existing medical facility at Taurama Barracks.
During his speech, the PNG commander thanked the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for its "continued support with training and willingness to support us in areas that need capacity building".
"We have reached the end of the first year of our Defence Force five-year plan, the 2022 to 2026 Intent," General Goina said.
'A military hospital one day, a military base the next'
General Goina began his speech by acknowledging Australia as "our longest, and closest defence partner", declaring: "The long and enduring relationship of military partnership and dare I say it, mateship, between Papua New Guinea and Australia, is the most important to us."
Australia's Defence Department declined to say when it became aware of the Chinese-funded project, telling the ABC "decisions made by the government of Papua New Guinea and PNGDF are a matter for Papua New Guinea".
"Australia and Papua New Guinea have a close defence and security partnership focusing on areas of mutual priority and interest," a Defence spokesperson added.
Australia and the United States are working to counter China's rising influence across the Pacific after being spooked by a security deal China struck with Solomon Islands in April.
Just last week Australia helped to open a new 100-person accommodation block at PNG's Igam Barracks in Lae, at an event attended by High Commissioner Jon Philp as well as General Goina.
Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute believes Australia should be wary of what else China has planned in PNG.
"What you're likely to see in the Solomons could happen also in PNG – a military hospital one day, a military base the next – I think that's the thing we have to be aware of," Dr Davis told the ABC.
"It's fairly clear that the PNG military are relying on China to a greater degree for capacity building and training purposes and ultimately where that leads is an increasing presence for the PLA in PNG and I think that's what we need to be cautious of."
During a visit to Papua New Guinea in October, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia wanted to strike an "ambitious" security treaty with its northern neighbour as quickly as possible.
