"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. 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. It should also refrain from targeting any third party or undermining its legitimate rights and interests. 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, it said."
"If signed, the treaty is expected to lock the two countries into joint defence arrangements in the event of a military attack, and to allow citizens of both countries to serve in the defence forces of the other."
"We will go through our respective cabinet processes and expect to finalise the signing of the treaty, the words of which have been agreed, in coming weeks, Albanese told a press conference in Port Moresby on Wednesday."
China urged Papua New Guinea to avoid signing any bilateral treaty that is exclusive or that would prevent PNG from cooperating with third parties or that targets or undermines third-party rights. The Chinese embassy emphasized respect for PNG's voluntary treaty-making but called for preservation of PNG's independence and long-term sovereignty. The statement followed Australia failing to finalise a planned defence pact with Papua New Guinea after PNG's cabinet did not agree to the deal. The proposed pact would create joint defence arrangements and permit citizens to serve in each other's defence forces, a prospect that has raised concerns about PNG's independence.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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