Australia to invest $600 million in Papua New Guinea to counter China
By 2028, the National Rugby League will welcome a team from Papua New Guinea — and behind this move lies not just sport, but major diplomacy. Australia is investing hundreds of millions to strengthen its regional influence.
Photo: x.com/PatConroy1
On June 26, Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, confirmed that Canberra will allocate $600 million to launch a rugby team from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to fund infrastructure projects in the region. The new team will join Australia’s NRL in 2028.
However, behind the sporting sensation lie significant geopolitical moves. According to the minister, sport will serve as a “bridge” to unite Papua New Guinea — a country with more than 800 tribes and 1,000 languages.
This initiative will help Australia counter China’s influence in the region. Papua New Guinea has pledged to continue cooperation with Canberra in the field of security and to refrain from military alliances with other countries.
In addition, Australia is strengthening defense ties with the Solomon Islands — including funding roads and preparing for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit.
Meanwhile, construction has begun in Newcastle, Australia, on a new factory to produce Kongsberg missiles.
Despite protests from the Greens, the authorities are confident that the facility will boost defense capabilities and create hundreds of jobs.