Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape retraced the footsteps of World War II soldiers on the Kokoda Trail, highlighting the strong ties between their nations amid concerns about China’s growing influence in the region. Albanese’s walk marked the first time a sitting Australian prime minister has traversed sections of the trail, which commemorates the vital role local men played in assisting Australian soldiers during the war. Marape has fostered closer relations with China, but both leaders emphasized the shared values and future that bind Australia and PNG together.