Summary
Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia are about to sign a defense treaty to protect each other from armed threats. This agreement will be finalized after PNG celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Australia. The treaty is seen as a move to counter China's influence in the Pacific region.
Key Facts
- PNG and Australia plan to sign a defense treaty to protect each other against threats.
- The treaty signing follows PNG's 50th anniversary of independence from Australia.
- The agreement allows citizens of each country to serve in the other's military.
- The treaty aims to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape will sign the treaty in Port Moresby.
- Australia will assist in expanding PNG's Parliament House to support its democracy.
- Concerns exist in PNG about maintaining its neutral foreign policy amid global tensions.
- Australia reaffirms respect for PNG's sovereignty with the treaty.
