Beijing is funding a hospital for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), which some observers believe will lead to a much larger Chinese military presence in the Pacific nation.
PNG’s Chief of Defence made the proposal public last week during his end-of-year parade speech, which was attended by dignitaries including China’s new military attaché.
“I am happy to announce Chinese commitment to fund the projects of the PNGDF Military Hospital at Taurama Barracks,” stated Major General Mark Goina during the December 16 occasion.
“Work has begun for our Defence Minister to sign the protocols for the use of the money and scoping/design works of the Hospital in 2023,” said the PNGDF Commander.
The Chinese-funded effort, according to General Goina, would cost “31 million [Papua New Guinean] Kina,” or slightly more than $13 million.
Taurama Barracks, located in the PNG capital of Port Moresby, housed the Australian-led Pacific Islands Battalion during WWII.
In 2007, Papua New Guinea reached an agreement with China to pay half a million US dollars for the maintenance and upgrading of the current medical facility at Taurama Barracks.
The PNG commander hailed the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for its “continuous cooperation with training and willingness to support us in areas that require capacity building” during his speech. “We have completed the first year of our Defense Force five-year plan, the 2022-2026 Intent,” General Goina remarked.
General Goina opened his address by thanking Australia for being “our longest and closest defence partner,” saying, “The long and enduring relationship of military partnership and, dare I say, mateship between Papua New Guinea and Australia is the most significant to us.”
Australia’s Defence Department failed to explain when it became aware of the Chinese-funded initiative, stating the ABC “decisions taken by the government of Papua New Guinea and PNGDF are a matter for Papua New Guinea”.
“Australia and Papua New Guinea have a tight defence and security collaboration focused on common priority and interest,” a Defense spokesperson noted. After being alarmed by China’s security agreement with the Solomon Islands in April, Australia and the United States are seeking to offset China’s growing influence across the Pacific.
