Post by : Rameen Ariff

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are set to sign a historic defence agreement this week, opening the door for Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This landmark deal will also play a key role in countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.

A Historic Defence Step

The agreement will be formally signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape on Wednesday in Port Moresby. This timing is symbolic, coinciding with celebrations marking 50 years of PNG’s independence from Australia.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the agreement as “historic,” noting that Papua New Guineans will now be able to directly join the Australian military. Since last year, the ADF has allowed foreign nationals from countries like New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States to serve.

Marles said, “We said we would have an eye to the Pacific, and this agreement with PNG contemplates that.” While full implementation will take time, Australia aims to create pathways for PNG citizens to serve with equal pay and potential access to Australian citizenship, just like other members of the military.

Strengthening Regional Security

The defence deal builds on a broader security agreement signed between Australia and PNG in 2023. Both countries have stressed that this agreement will strengthen regional security and enhance cooperation between their armed forces.

PNG’s Defence Minister, Billy Joseph, highlighted the strategic importance, stating, “A secure Papua New Guinea is a secure Australia, and a secure Australia is a secure Papua New Guinea.” Australian Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that the agreement would “upgrade the relationship and increase interoperability, engagement, and the overall security relationship” between the two nations. He also reassured that PNG’s sovereignty will be fully respected.

Opportunities for Papua New Guineans

The deal will allow Papua New Guineans to serve in the ADF under the same conditions as other members, including equal pay and benefits. They may also gain a pathway to Australian citizenship. PNG’s proximity to northern Australia, less than 200 kilometers away, makes this arrangement practical and strategically important for regional security.

Countering China’s Influence in the Pacific

In recent years, China has invested heavily in Pacific nations, funding infrastructure projects such as hospitals, sports stadiums, roads, and public works. This strategy has increased China’s influence, with countries like the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru shifting diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing.

Australia has increased engagement with Pacific nations to counter this influence. For example, Prime Minister Albanese visited Vanuatu to discuss a potential security deal. However, the Vanuatu agreement was not signed due to concerns over funding restrictions from other nations.

Significance of the Defence Deal

Experts consider the Australia-PNG defence agreement significant for several reasons:

1. Regional Security: Strengthens security ties between Australia and PNG, allowing coordinated responses to regional threats.

2. Military Cooperation: Encourages joint training, intelligence sharing, and strategic planning.

3. Opportunities for PNG Citizens: Opens doors for career growth, equal pay, and potential citizenship.

4. Countering External Influence: Helps limit China’s growing presence and maintain Pacific stability.

Historical and Strategic Context

Australia and PNG share a long history dating back to PNG’s independence in 1975. Australia has been a key partner in development aid, trade, and security. This new defence agreement deepens these ties, particularly in the context of shifting geopolitics in the Pacific.

The proximity of PNG to northern Australia enhances its strategic importance. A secure PNG helps safeguard Australian borders, trade routes, and regional stability. By allowing PNG citizens to join the ADF, both nations create a stronger bond and ensure coordinated responses to security challenges.

Path Forward

While the agreement is historic, full implementation will take time. Recruitment, training, and legal frameworks need alignment to allow PNG citizens to join the ADF fully. Officials from both countries are optimistic about the success of the deal and see it as a model for future cooperation in the Pacific.

The pact also sends a strong message to the region: Australia is committed to supporting its Pacific neighbors and prioritizes regional peace and stability.

The upcoming defence agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea is a landmark moment in bilateral relations. It not only allows PNG citizens to serve in one of the region’s most advanced military forces but also strengthens regional security, military cooperation, and bilateral ties. In a time when China’s influence in the Pacific is growing, this agreement underscores Australia’s dedication to its neighbors and its commitment to maintaining stability in the region.

Both nations are now set to implement the deal fully, ensuring it benefits the citizens of both countries while promoting peace and security across the Pacific.