Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape embarked on a two-day trek along sections of the Kokoda Trail, retracing the footsteps of Australian soldiers who fought alongside local men during World War II. The walk, which began on Tuesday and culminated in a dawn service on Thursday, marked the first time an Australian prime minister has traveled along the trail. The journey took place shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a visit to Papua New Guinea, where he held bilateral talks with Marape. Papua New Guinea has sought closer ties with China, and last year switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing. In January, it was revealed that Australia’s northern neighbor had signed a secretive security pact with China, raising concerns in Australia and other Western nations. As Albanese and Marape neared the end of their 15-kilometer trek, Albanese, who has championed closer ties with Pacific Island nations, emphasized that the joint walk represented the shared future and values between the two countries. “We’ve worked together on climate change, we’ve worked together in the Pacific Island Forum and other bodies as well,” Albanese said on Thursday. “I think this, this walk will send a message to the populations of both our countries, and to the region as well, about how important this relationship is and that Australia and PNG work together.”” Marape echoed Albanese’s sentiments, stating that while the walk was not necessary to strengthen their relationship, it deepened their understanding of the shared history and values. The Battle of Kokoda, which lasted from July to November 1942, is widely considered the first time Australia’s security was directly threatened. Approximately 56,000 Australians were involved in halting Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea, which was then an Australian territory. Some 625 Australians were killed and more than 1,600 wounded along the track. Local men also played a vital role during the conflict, carrying supplies and helping to evacuate wounded and sick troops. Marape highlighted the immense loss suffered by Papua New Guineans during the war, emphasizing that the conflict serves as a reminder to avoid future conflicts. “Never must conflict happen in PNG or in Australia or in Pacific,” he said. “We will forever stand as buffer to conflicts, take your conflict elsewhere.” Marape also commended Albanese for undertaking one of the more challenging sections of the walk, rather than opting for an easier route. The two leaders attended an Anzac Day dawn service on Thursday in the town of Isurava, the site of a major 1942 battle to repel Japanese troops who were attempting to capture PNG’s capital, Port Moresby. Albanese paid tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served along the mountainous trail, as well as those who have served in other conflicts. “Anzac Day has never asked us to exalt in the glories of war,” he said. “Anzac Day asks us to stand against the erosion of time and to hold on to their names, to hold on to their deeds.”
Albanese, Marape Trek Kokoda Trail Amid China Influence Concerns
