Up to 1000 Papua New Guineans could be enlisted each year for the Australian Defence Force to help meet demands to grow the military and cement ties with our nearest neighbour in the face of China’s growing assertiveness under a plan put before the Albanese government.

But China is also vying to deepen economic links with PNG, with negotiations for a free trade deal to begin next year, prompting concerns Beijing is trying to bribe its way into dominance in Port Moresby.