The United States is on the cusp of signing a security pact with Papua New Guinea that will give US armed forces uninhibited access to its territorial waters and airspace.
It's part of a concerted effort from America to re-establish and counter China's influence in the region.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has been invited to attend a US-Pacific summit that's about to get underway.
Our political reporter Anneke Smith joins us now from APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
