New information has emerged regarding an Australian government initiative aimed at funding the creation of an NRL rugby league club in Papua New Guinea. Canberra is proposing a commitment of AU$600 million over ten years, contingent upon the PNG government refraining from signing a security agreement with China.
The Australian government perceives this proposal as an act of “soft power,” leveraging the sport’s immense popularity in Papua New Guinea. However, the effectiveness of this plan remains uncertain.
Gordon Peake, associated with the US Institute of Peace and a long-time observer of Papua New Guinea, expressed surprise when approached by a journalist for comment. He noted that rugby league holds a deep-seated passion among Papua New Guineans. Australia has been advocating for assistance in Papua New Guinea’s efforts to join the NRL for a couple of years, framing it as a benevolent gesture that also strengthens ties between the two nations.
Recently, it became clear that the Australian backing is not just about sports but is linked to broader geopolitical dynamics. The Australian support hinges on Papua New Guinea’s agreement to avoid a policing defense deal with China, indicating a more rigorous application of hard power.
Peake pointed out the difficulty in reconciling these two distinct subjects: the support for a rugby league club and the governmental commitments about security arrangements. The lack of synergy between the rugby league initiative and the potential for PNG to engage in defense discussions with China creates ambiguity about the long-term feasibility of the plan.
Peake also highlighted the risk of disappointment among rugby league fans in Papua New Guinea if the initiative were to fail, noting that while there is strong enthusiasm for the sport, some locals have questioned the substantial financial commitment and proposed instead that funds might be better allocated to urgent priorities like health and education.
The potential embarrassment for both Australia and Papua New Guinea if the rugby league bid falters is significant, as both sides have invested considerable political capital in the initiative.
While instances of soft power strategies have occurred in the Pacific region, none have approached the scale of the current rugby league support. Peake emphasized the growing importance of soft power in diplomacy, highlighting that Australia’s endeavor may set a difficult precedent for politicians on both sides.
In response to the Australian initiative, Peake speculated on how China might view the proposal, suggesting that China might find less complex and more cost-effective ways of exerting influence in the region, such as through scholarships and educational exchanges.