MELBOURNE, Australia — In a significant development for sports and international relations, Papua New Guinea is set to establish its own team in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) as part of a diplomatic initiative aimed at counteracting Chinese influence in the South Pacific. The Australian government has pledged an investment of 600 million Australian dollars (approximately $380 million) over the next decade to support the inclusion of this new team starting from the year 2028.
This announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart, James Marape, during a press briefing held in Sydney. In addition to the introduction of the rugby team, the leaders also confirmed that a bilateral security agreement, which was finalized a year ago, is now officially in effect.
The backdrop of this development involves China’s pursuit of a bilateral security agreement with Papua New Guinea and other neighboring South Pacific nations, a move that has raised concerns among U.S. allies, including Australia, regarding its potential impact on regional stability.
Rugby league holds a prominent status in Papua New Guinea, a nation of about 12 million people predominantly engaged in subsistence farming and grappling with issues such as tribal conflicts, escalating violent crime, and civil disorder. Marape emphasized that the security agreement with Australia is essential for ensuring the safety of athletes and officials who will be stationed in the capital, Port Moresby. He remarked, “The player is safe when we have good rapport between our two police forces,” highlighting the importance of cooperative efforts in maintaining security.
In a joint statement, the prime ministers articulated that the security agreement would facilitate ongoing consultations regarding security-related matters between the two nations. When queried about the possibility of Papua New Guinea forming a security alliance with China, Albanese did not provide a definitive answer but emphasized the collective responsibility of Pacific nations in maintaining security within the region.
Marape reinforced that the security pact with Australia aligns with his nation’s best interests. He described Australia as the “security partner of choice,” while also noting that this does not preclude Papua New Guinea from engaging with other nations, including China, which he acknowledged as a vital trading partner. He stated that collaboration with Australia on security matters is crucial for protecting their shared interests and territory.
Marape characterized the initiative to establish a Port Moresby-based rugby team as a pivotal element in strengthening the Papua New Guinea-Australia relationship. He asserted, “At the heart of every foreign relationship lies people-to-people relations. Foreign relations minus people-to-people relations are completely in vain.”
The security pact that was signed collaboratively a year ago solidified Australia’s stature as the preferred security partner for Papua New Guinea. Initially scheduled for June 2023, the signing was delayed following protests in Papua New Guinea that arose after a security agreement between the U.S. and Marape’s government was perceived to compromise the country’s sovereignty.
As part of their commitments, Australia has agreed to aid Papua New Guinea in enhancing its internal security, including support for policing, judicial facilities, and prison systems. Furthermore, Australia is assisting in the construction of a new police training center in Port Moresby, which will also cater to recruits from other Pacific countries, thereby fostering collaborative security efforts in the region.
