China claims artillery shell in Papua New Guinea is wine bottle

Chinese authorities have rejected claims that a suspected artillery shell found in Papua New Guinea is a military weapon, asserting instead that it is a "shell-shaped wine bottle." The Chinese embassy made the statement on Facebook, emphasizing that the object poses no danger, but this claim has been met with skepticism by some observers.

The controversy began last Friday when police in Port Moresby arrested four Chinese nationals after discovering the 32-kilogram object at a construction site. Local authorities initially expressed concern over the item, with Police Commissioner David Manning calling it a "very concerning discovery" and launching an investigation into whether it was a live device. Reports from the Australia Broadcasting Corporation, citing unnamed sources, suggested that the object might be a 130mm Chinese Type 59 Artillery Projectile, which can contain chemical explosives and a fuse. However, the BBC has not yet verified these claims.

While local police dismissed speculation that the object was merely a dummy, the Chinese embassy asserted that it is "virtually impossible" for an illegal military-grade artillery shell to be smuggled from China to Papua New Guinea, citing the country's strict firearm control laws. The embassy also pointed to China's reputation as one of the safest countries globally. Despite this, some social media users questioned the embassy's claim, noting that a wine bottle would not typically weigh 32 kilograms and that the object lacked any labeling indicating it was a bottle.

The situation raises concerns about the security of military materials and the potential for misunderstandings between nations. As investigations continue, it remains unclear what the true nature of the object is and what implications this could have for China-Papua New Guinea relations. The incident underscores the need for clarity and communication to prevent escalating diplomatic tensions over such discoveries.