By Scott Waide – EMTV News, Lae
The global trade war between China and Western powers has reached new heights in the Pacific and in particular, in Papua New Guinea.
As the Government of Peter O’Neill courts China on the one side of the bargaining table, receiving aid and other benefits, PNG’s traditional military partner, Australia is growing anxious.
Over the last 24 hours, Australian media has reported, that their government is planning to establish a military base on Manus, to counter the growing Chinese influence in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
The PNG Government has been largely silent since Australia’s announcement. Last night, when EMTV contacted the Defence Minister, Solan Mirisim, he stated that Papua New Guinea has been in negotiations with Australia for “a military base and a training facility on Manus.”
The indications by Australia has brought about concerns.
Former PNG Defence Force Commander, Major General Jerry Singirok, says any decision by the Australians to place troops in Papua New Guinea must have a wide consultation, as well as debate in parliament.
So far, there has been none.
“Australia must be mindful that Papua New Guinea is a sovereign nation. There has to be a wide public consultation, as well as debate in parliament because this is a strategic decision.”
“Australia has neglected this region for so long. This issue has to be approached with diplomacy.”
Australia’s choice of Manus is of strategic military importance. The maritime corridor between Guam to the north and Manus to the south was used by the Japanese in World War Two to reach the Pacific.
A possible Australian presence in Manus means they get to police the northern region. The move places Papua New Guinea in the center of a global power struggle between the US and its allies and China.
For Papua New Guinea, things are a bit complicated. How does the government call China a threat and receive aid and development loans? And how does it support Australia’s military ambitions and still view China as a friend?
China’s economic influence in Papua New Guinea extends to nearly all sectors.
In the 13 year period between 2005 and 2018, China has spent over close to 12 billion kina in investments and aid in Papua New Guinea. That is 3 billion kina short of Papua New Guinea’s annual budget of 15 billion.
Chinese money has been spent on monumental projects like buildings, transport infrastructure, and energy projects in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
But what concerns many in Papua New Guinea, is the debt to China driven by loans and obligations and the possible take over of state assets by a foreign power.
