Papua New Guinea Approves Landmark Defense Treaty with Australia
Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) cabinet has formally approved a mutual defence treaty with Australia, marking a important advancement in the bilateral security agreement. Prime minister James marape announced the decision on Thursday, highlighting the strengthened relationship between the two nations.
“This reflects the depth of trust, history, and shared future between our two nations,” Marape stated.
The agreement, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, was initially slated for signing in september to coincide with PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence, but was delayed due to a lack of cabinet quorum. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his anticipation for the treaty’s signing, describing it as the establishment of a “formal alliance” with PNG.
While the full text of the Pukpuk Treaty remains undisclosed, details released by Marape’s office indicate a mutual defence clause is central to the agreement. Provisions also include support for PNG to modernize its military capabilities and establish a national reserve force comprised of 3,000 volunteers.
The treaty outlines a pathway for up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. Simultaneously, PNG aims to expand its own defence force to a total of 7,000 personnel.
PNG, a nation of over 11 million with significant ethnic diversity, faces ongoing challenges with internal violence stemming from conflicts among its numerous ethnic clans. australia administered PNG as a colonial power from 1902 until 1975, but the two countries have maintained a close relationship since PNG’s independence.
According to Australian defence expert Jennifer parker, the treaty is expected to formalize the existing defence cooperation between the two nations and potentially grant Australia its first treaty ally in 70 years. Australia currently maintains formal alliances with the United States and New Zealand under the 1951 ANZUS treaty.
Justin Bassi, executive director of the australian Strategic Policy Institute, believes the treaty will facilitate increased Australian investment in PNG’s defence sector to address emerging security challenges.
The agreement is occurring amidst growing Australian concerns regarding China’s increasing influence in the Pacific region. However, the treaty includes provisions to respect PNG’s existing defence relationships with other countries, including China, a major trading partner and investor in PNG. The Chinese embassy in port Moresby previously urged PNG to “uphold its independence” and avoid a treaty that would limit its cooperation with third parties.
