The United States said Saturday it will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base in Papua New Guinea, a project seen as a move to curb China's influence in the Pacific.
Australia, which has long-standing military ties with the US, has already announced plans to redevelop PNG's Lombrum Naval Base on Manus island. Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday on a visit to Papua New Guinea, which is hosting the APEC regional summit. that the US would join forces in the project.
"The United States will partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia on their joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base," he said.
"We will work with these two nations to protect sovereignty and maritime rights in the Pacific Islands."
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