Australia and PNG Pledge Closer Ties as Canberra Seeks to Renew Pacific Influence to Counter China

Residents fish on the island of New Britain, Papua New Guinea near Kimbe Bay on Nov. 28, 2007. Papua New Guinea is part of New Guinea, the second-largest island in the world. David Longstreath/AP

SYDNEY—Australia and Papua New Guinea said on July 22 their leaders will meet annually in a bid to foster closer ties, which Canberra believes is important in its bid to counter China’s quest for greater influence in the Pacific.

The pledge came after PNG Prime Minister James Marape, who came to power in May, met Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the first time.