Papua New Guinea prime minister starts Australian visit
Posted July 21, 2019 5:15 pm.
CANBERRA, Australia — Papua New Guinea’s prime minister says his country’s relationship with China in not open to discussion during his current visit to Australia.
Prime Minister James Marape on Monday officially started his first visit to Australia since he became leader of Australia’s nearest neighbour and former Australian colony in May.
His visit comes as Australia attempts to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific by teaming with the United States and Japan to finance infrastructure in Pacific island states that the Chinese have aggressively wooed with loans and aid.
Marape said before his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday that China’s relationship with his South Pacific island nation of 8 million people is none of Australia’s business.
The Associated Press
