Australia Papua New Guinea Sign Pukpuk Defence Treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea have officially signed the Pukpuk Treaty, a landmark mutual defence pact that commits both nations to support each other in the event of an armed attack. The treaty, named after the pidgin word for crocodile, represents Australia's first new military alliance in over 70 years and is modeled on the ANZUS treaty, with commitments to act jointly against common threats. It allows for up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force and includes provisions to prevent either country from engaging in agreements that could compromise the treaty, implicitly addressing concerns about third-party influences such as China. The treaty also aims to bolster Papua New Guinea's defence capabilities through Australian training and support, strengthening security and interoperability between the two nations. The pact formalizes a deepened bilateral relationship, which leaders describe as ushering in a new chapter for the next 50 years. The signing was delayed earlier due to procedural issues within Papua New Guinea's cabinet but was completed at Parliament House in Canberra with both Prime Ministers in attendance.