Papua New Guinea cabinet signs landmark defence treaty with Australia
Key Takeaways
- Papua New Guinea's cabinet officially approved the landmark mutual defence treaty, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, with Australia.
- The treaty establishes a formal alliance, includes a mutual defence clause, and aims to modernize PNG's military capabilities.
- It will allow 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force, while PNG seeks to expand its own force to 7,000 troops.
- Experts suggest this treaty codifies existing defense ties and could be Australia's first treaty ally in 70 years, coming amid regional geopolitical tensions.
- The agreement reportedly respects PNG's existing defence relationships with third parties, despite concerns raised by China regarding exclusivity.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has approved a landmark mutual defence treaty with Australia, following a cabinet decision announced by Prime Minister James Marape, who praised the "elevated" ties. The Pukpuk Treaty, which was delayed from September, is set to establish a formal alliance, with details including a mutual defence clause and provisions for PNG to modernize its military and build a 3,000-volunteer reserve force. Furthermore, the agreement creates a pathway for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force. Defence experts note this treaty codifies existing defense relationships and could mark Australia's first treaty ally in seven decades, as Australia currently only has formal alliances with the US and New Zealand under ANZUS. The timing is significant, as Australia is wary of China's expanding presence in the Pacific, although the treaty reportedly includes provisions respecting PNG's defence relationships with third parties, implicitly addressing concerns raised by the Chinese embassy.
