Australia and Papua New Guinea Forge Strategic Defence Partnership

A New Strategic Alliance

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a defence pact granting each country access to the other's military facilities and personnel in the event of an attack. Officials emphasise that the agreement stems from decades of partnership, while analysts view it as a move to balance China's growing influence in the Pacific.

Mutual Military Collaboration

Under the treaty, up to 10,000 PNG citizens may enlist in the Australian Defence Force with the option to apply for Australian citizenship. It also establishes annual joint exercises to demonstrate interoperability, and extends cooperation into cyber and electronic warfare domains.

Regional Security Dynamics

China has strengthened ties with several Pacific Island nations through trade and security agreements, including a policing pact with the Solomon Islands. In response, Australia has increased investments in Pacific security and climate resilience, signing complementary deals with the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Leadership Perspectives

PNG Prime Minister James Marape stressed the pact was not directed at any third party and affirmed Australia as PNG's 'security partner of choice.' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the treaty as "built on generations of mutual trust" and vital for regional peace and prosperity.

The new defence treaty cements Australia’s role as Papua New Guinea’s leading security partner, strengthening military ties to ensure a stable Pacific amid strategic competition.

This topic was reported by BBC News.

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