The largest and most populous of the Pacific-island countries, located to Australia's north. For several years China has been deploying police officers and seeking preferential access to deep-water harbours and airstrips among the island chains surrounding Australia.
On October 6th 2025 the prime ministers of Papua New Guinea and Australia signed the first new military alliance in the Asia-Pacific since the cold war. Under the deal, the two neighbours are obliged to come to each other's defence; up to 10,000 Papuans could join the Australian armed forces. Most importantly, the agreement includes what amounts to an Australian veto on Chinese access to Papua New Guinea's territory and critical infrastructure. The alliance represents a significant setback for China's efforts to extend its influence across the Pacific.
You will stop at nothing to reach your objective, but only because your brakes are defective.