Deputy PM Plays Down Beijing Security Threat As PNG League Announcement Nears

Democratic nations have upped the diplomatic offensive in recent years in response to Beijing’s overt efforts to build influence.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles looks on during a welcome to the country ahead of the Australia and South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministers meeting in Melbourne, Australia, on May 1, 2024. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake-Pool/Getty Images

As a mooted $600 million taxpayer-backed deal for a Papua New Guinea-based (PNG) rugby league team edges closer, Labor ministers have had to justify the expense and the potential threat from Beijing.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles refrained from making obvious links to the communist threat in the developing country, but emphasised Australia’s links.