A string of diplomatic and economic spats between Australia and China has extended to Covid-19 vaccine distribution, with Papua New Guinea finding itself as the latest flashpoint.
On two sides of the Pacific nation's capital, there are opposing vaccine rollouts spearheaded by Chinese and Australian representatives taking place.
In the wake of a virulent new strain of the virus and widespread hesitancy of the vaccine, Papua New Guinea needs all the aid it can get from any country willing to help.
With a population of nearly 9 million, PNG is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world.
China and Australia have provided emergency support to PNG, but China recently accused Australia of "vaccine sabotage" in the country for attempting to block the use of its Sinopharm vaccine.
It's a claim that highlights the tense geopolitics of the Pacific region, where the two countries are trying to make a strong foothold.
In a recent report by Global Times, the news outlet claimed that Australia sabotaged China's vaccination assistance program in PNG by planting so-called "consultants" to manipulate local pandemic protocols targeting China.
According to the report, Australia blocked the approval of a Chinese vaccine's emergency use and threatened senior officials of the country who were collaborating with China in the vaccine distribution campaign.
The report added that although China has given PNG vaccines to contain the virus in February, pressured by the Australian consultants on the ground, the government did not authorize its emergency use until May when consignment of vaccines from Australia arrived.
In the weeks since the Global Times report, Australia has flatly rejected the allegations.
Jonathan Pryke, chief of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, criticized China for its accusations, saying the "bluster" was far from what is actually happening on the ground.
Meanwhile, Jelta Wong, PNG's Health Minister said the government was not "taking sides" and that they are thankful to Australia and China for providing vaccines.
Australia has a long history of assisting PNG since the country gained independence. By far Australia is PNG's biggest aid partner.
However, the country has also received increased attention under the "Pacific Step Up" initiative of the Australian government which has been viewed by China as a counter to its influence.
