Australian media have been reporting that its government is hoping to establish a naval presence at the PNG Navy base on Manus Island.
It would be, in part, an effort by Canberra to counter a growing Chinese presence in the Pacific, which it is growing increasingly anxious about.
PNG defence minister Solan Mirisim has confirmed negotiations are taking place for a base and training facility.
Former commander Jerry Singirok told EMTV says any decision must be widely debated in the public.
