In a desperate attempt to deflect scrutiny, Chinese authorities have issued a bizarre statement claiming that a 32kg military-grade artillery shell discovered in Papua New Guinea is nothing more than a 'shell-shaped wine bottle.' The object, which was found in a commercial shipping container at a construction site in Port Moresby, prompted the arrest of four Chinese nationals last Friday.
While the Chinese embassy insists the item poses 'no danger' and claims it is 'virtually impossible' for military hardware to leave their borders, the facts on the ground tell a different story.
Reports from the Australia Broadcasting Corporation, citing unnamed sources, identify the device as an undetonated 130mm Chinese Type 59 Artillery Projectile, complete with chemical explosives and a fuse.
Papua New Guinea police commissioner David Manning previously labeled the discovery 'very concerning,' and local authorities had already dismissed earlier speculation that the object was a dummy.
The embassy’s attempt to frame China as a paragon of safety and strict regulation has been met with widespread skepticism, with social media users pointing out the obvious absurdity of a 32kg wine bottle that lacks any commercial labeling.
As Beijing continues its aggressive global posturing, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance regarding the movement of Chinese-made military equipment.
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