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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Marjorie Finkeo in Port Moresby, Kate Lamb and Virginia Harrison

China issues warning to Papua New Guinea over defence deal with Australia

Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s prime minister James Marape
Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s prime minister James Marape. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

China has urged Papua New Guinea not to sign a treaty that could restrict or prevent it from cooperating with another country, days after Australia failed to secure a defence pact with the Pacific nation.

In a statement on Facebook late on Thursday, the Chinese embassy in Papua New Guinea said it respected the country’s “right to conclude a bilateral treaty with other countries on a voluntary basis”.

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