China Claims Disputed Object in Papua New Guinea is a Wine Bottle, Not an Artillery Shell

Chinese officials have firmly rejected reports that a China-made artillery shell was recently uncovered inside a commercial shipping container in Papua New Guinea. According to the Chinese embassy, the heavy object is nothing more than a harmless “shell-shaped wine bottle” that poses no danger whatsoever.

The controversy began in Port Moresby when local police arrested four Chinese nationals after discovering the 32-kilogram object at a construction site within the capital city. Police Commissioner David Manning initially described the find as a very concerning discovery as authorities launched an investigation to determine if the device was live.

Media reports further escalated the tension. Citing unnamed sources, international reports suggested the item was an undetonated 130-millimeter Chinese Type 59 artillery projectile containing a fuse and chemical explosives. Local newspapers also pushed back against early speculation that the object was merely a dummy.

In response, the Chinese embassy stated via social media that it is virtually impossible for an illegal military-grade shell to be smuggled out of China. The embassy highlighted the country’s strict firearm control laws and its global reputation for safety, though the statement quickly attracted skepticism from online users.

Skeptics were quick to question the embassy’s explanation on social media. Commenters pointed out the implausibility of a wine bottle weighing 32 kilograms and noted the complete absence of standard labeling indicating it contained wine.

For more details on this unfolding international story, read the original report on Nile Post.