It is interesting that in Africa it is not pressing for loan repayments.
It is the way to add Vassal states to the Chinese kingdom.
So I think PNG will be a multi facit gain to the Central Kingdom.

The domino theory is alive and well and the yellow horde is on its way. Only as a former wartime ally that has fallen to communist rule. And its warships now patrol wherever they want to and the CCP is eyeing off Antartica as a source of mineral wealth it can mine.

All while our gormless pollies wag fingers and thump tables as they thunder with oratory splendid and go goose bumps as they hear themselves thunder and roar out their vocal opposition! Even as the CCP roll down the isles with uncontrolable laughter!?

At a time when the west need to unite, do more than talk force the price of energy down below the cost of Chinese or Russian production and get Russia and China thrown out of the UN along with their powers of veto on the security council!

There is a war taking place and we are funding it via energy sales and limited production to keep price gouged prices high! And we need to stop selling gas to china and instead send it to an energy starved Western Europe. Ditto all mineral exports!

And we need to tell those two expansionist nations to get the F out of Antartica, our economic zone and out of international shipping lanes And other nation's sovereign maritime borders.

China should not be allowed to pick and choose what she imports from us, but if she dishonours just one import export contract? Then we should withhold all other export commodities including food, until the hostility and expansion ends! If China wants to expand its territory via military conquest? We should not assist that endevour via our export commodities.

Ukraine was attacked because she was not formerly included in the NATO alliance as western leaders do what they do best! Prevaricate, poster with pompous prattle that goes nowhere and does nothing real! Who is next to be gobbled up by an aggressive totalitarian state!?

Ying tong, ying tong piddle li po, piddle li po.
Alan B.

Alan B,
The past 5 decades have provided the proof that conservatism definitely has the greater amount of common sense compared to much pushed but failing democratic idealism !

The Morrison government doesn't seem to be concerned. All fire and brimstone about far away Ukraine; no comment on Chinese threats to us, except to say how naughty they were to shine a laser, and (Morrison) made sure that we realise that Chinese ships have a right to sail that close to our country. While Morrison is busy telling us how slack Labor would be on defence, WTF is he actually doing?

Morrison is probably like it was suggested all Western leaders are now - focusing on their navels "while the authoritarian likes of Putin and Xi Jinping single-mindedly threaten world peace with their deadly aggression".

Now however it might be too late to equip PNG with coastal surveillance.
After all wouldn't they have Chinese looking over their shoulder ?

Just about every shop in the whole New Guinea is Chinese run/operated.

Individual. Not to sure that what you claim is correct. Moreover, to date all our wartime parliaments have been labor led, [labor/conservative, bypartisan,] coalitions. And both Hawke and Keating oversaw some of our most life changing reforms.

In any event, what we need now from any side of politics, is a leader with a spine, ticker and balls. In command of essential Cabinent/party room solidarity.

And we need to rearm and restore conscription. If only to ensure the economy doesn't tank during the next downturn. due to high unemployment.

Many of our callow youth would be well served learning, in boot camp settings, how to cooperate, teamwork, delegate, self reliant survival skills and self-discipline. And that all actions come with positive or negative consequences!
Alan B.

Not to sure that what you claim is correct.
Alan B,
From what I have seen & what others who have been there say.

what we need now from any side of politics, is a leader with a spine, ticker and balls
Alan B,
That's the presently insurmountable hurdle but I'm hoping that your third paragraph will eventuate. I'm sure you're well aware how many times I've tried to get discussion going on this.
The progressives have thus far been totally opposed to any form of discipline but now since staring at brutal reality many will come around to pushing for it but leaving themselves out of harm's way undoubtedly !

In any future wars, those in harms way will be the civilian populations and the safest places will be on the front lines, in personal body amour! No civilian population will be safe at home, but the principle target of the hostile aggressor nation

. Our ultimate safety here in Oz, depends on our ability to effectively retaliate. And that my friends means a nuclear capacity and nuclear powered production/manufacture.

We need to understand most of this is infrastructure that could be built along with capacity, off budget and with the assistance of imported guest labour.

Whose salary packages and tax returns etc, can be partially withheld and only paid when they are repatriated to their homelands. If only to ensure they do not overstay their welcome!
Alan B.