China cautioned Papua New Guinea against "undermining" its interests and sovereignty in signing a mutual defence pact with Australia widely seen as a counter to Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific.

Australia and Papua New Guinea this week agreed on the text of a deal which will see the countries commit to defending each other from armed attacks.

Asked about the deal, a spokesperson for Beijing's embassy in Port Moresby said China respected Papua New Guinea's right to strike deals with other countries.

But such a deal should not be "exclusive", nor restrict Papua New Guinea from cooperating with other countries, the spokesperson said late Thursday.

"It should also refrain from targeting any third party or undermining its legitimate rights and interests," they warned.

China urged

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