Post by : Rameen Ariff

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have formally signed a historic security pact that allows both countries to access each other’s military facilities and personnel, reinforcing cooperation in the Pacific region. The agreement, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, ensures that if either nation is attacked, the other will come to its aid. Officials emphasized that the pact stems from decades of alliance and mutual trust, though experts note it also addresses concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.

Under the treaty, as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans will have the opportunity to serve in Australia’s military, with options to gain Australian citizenship. PNG, the largest South Pacific nation with nearly 12 million people, plays a key strategic role in regional security. Analysts say the agreement prevents China from gaining similar access to PNG’s infrastructure, as it has in other Pacific islands.

The Pukpuk Treaty emphasizes joint defence, with both nations agreeing that an armed attack on one would threaten the other’s peace and security. It also includes collaboration in cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare, annual joint military exercises, and full interoperability of forces. This will enable rapid deployment in response to threats, while also boosting PNG’s military capabilities and morale.

The pact is part of Australia’s wider efforts to strengthen regional security and counter China’s influence, following Beijing’s security agreements with the Solomon Islands in 2022 and Tuvalu in 2023. Australia has also invested heavily in the Pacific, including a $328 million security and business deal with Vanuatu, which includes data centres and climate-related assistance.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape assured that the deal does not target China, stating that PNG remains transparent in its relations and that Australia is its security partner of choice. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the agreement a demonstration of the countries’ commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region.

Experts note that the pact could help Australia address military recruitment shortages, as PNG has many able-bodied citizens willing to join. The treaty also sends a strategic signal to the United States, showing that Australia and PNG are capable partners in maintaining regional stability.

Some concerns have been raised within PNG. Critics argue that aligning closely with Australia may conflict with the country’s “friends to all, enemies to none” foreign policy. Former PNG Defence Force commander Jerry Singirok warned that the agreement could come at a high cost, noting that while Australia may see China as a threat, China is not PNG’s enemy.

The Pukpuk Treaty marks a significant milestone in Australia-PNG relations, reflecting deepening defence, strategic, and regional cooperation. By strengthening joint military readiness and fostering integration, the agreement aims to ensure security, stability, and mutual growth in the Pacific region.

This pact is expected to have long-term impacts on regional geopolitics, defence collaboration, and bilateral ties, highlighting both countries’ commitment to safeguarding their interests while navigating the complex security landscape in the South Pacific.

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