China rejects PNG artillery claim, says object is a wine bottle that ‘poses no danger’

China’s embassy in Papua New Guinea has denied claims that a suspected Chinese artillery shell was discovered in a shipping container in Port Moresby, asserting the object was actually a wine bottle. The embassy expressed this on social media, expressing anticipation for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's official investigation findings.

An on-site verification by a relevant company confirmed the object to be a wine bottle, stating it poses no danger. The embassy highlighted China's stringent firearm control laws, deeming it virtually impossible for an illegal military-grade artillery shell to be smuggled out of China to Papua New Guinea. According to a report by Australia's ABC broadcaster, a final police report identified the object as a 130mm Chinese Type 59 artillery projectile with chemical explosives and a fuse.

On Saturday, four Chinese nationals were reported arrested following the discovery, with PNG's Police Commissioner David Manning confirming the arrests and swift police action after a contractor alerted them. The bomb unit from the RPNGC and PNG Defence Force's explosive ordnance disposal personnel were deployed to examine the device, which was then moved to a secure storage facility.

This incident unfolds amid China's and the United States' competition for influence in the South Pacific. In July, Papua New Guinea closed Taiwan's economic office in Port Moresby, a decision welcomed by Beijing. China views Taiwan as an integral part and may use force to reunify it if necessary. Most nations, including the U.S., do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, but the U.S. opposes any attempt to annex it by force and supports its defense.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Pacific nation politicians in Beijing that China's engagement in the region is based on mutual assistance and support, not geopolitical rivalry.