Australia, Papua New Guinea Sign Defence Pact Amid China Concerns

Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to sign a landmark bilateral defense treaty aimed at significantly enhancing their military cooperation amid rising concerns over China's growing influence in the Pacific region. The pact, to be signed during Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary celebrations, will allow citizens of both countries to serve in each other's militaries, with Australia offering citizenship incentives to Papua New Guinean recruits. The agreement seeks to modernize and expand existing defense cooperation frameworks dating back to before PNG's independence in 1975, including plans for increased joint military exercises and interoperability of defense assets. While details remain confidential, there is speculation that the treaty may include mutual defense commitments requiring consultation if either side faces security threats, though officials have neither confirmed nor denied this. Australian officials emphasize careful management of PNG recruitment to avoid undermining PNG's own military, and the treaty is viewed as a strategic move to counterbalance China's military presence in the Pacific. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape will formalize the agreement, marking a significant upgrade in the longstanding security partnership between the two nations.