SYDNEY: China cautioned Papua New Guinea against “undermining” its interests and sovereignty in signing a mutual defense pact with Australia widely seen as a counter to Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific. Australia and Papua New Guinea this week agreed on the text of a deal which will see the countries commit to defending each other from armed attacks. Asked about the deal, a spokesperson for Beijing’s embassy in Port Moresby said China respected Papua New Guinea’s right to strike deals with other countries.

Australian PM Albanese fails to sign mutual defence pact a week after also failing to sign security deal with Vanuatu.

SYDNEY: China cautioned Papua New Guinea against “undermining” its interests and sovereignty in signing a mutual defense pact with Australia widely seen as a counter to Beijing’s…

Australia and Papua New Guinea agree on a mutual defense pact, prompting China to caution against undermining its interests.