Pence says US to partner in Papua New Guinea military base

Port Moresby (AFP) – The United States will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base to be built in Papua New Guinea, US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday.

Australia has announced plans to redevelop PNG’s Lombrum Naval Base on Manus island, in what is seen as a move to curb China’s influence in the Pacific.

“The United States will partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia on their joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base,” Pence said ahead of a regional summit. “We will work with these two nations to protect sovereignty and maritime rights in the Pacific Islands.​”