Summary
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a defense agreement allowing each country to support the other if attacked. The deal lets Australia use PNG's military facilities and troops while offering PNG soldiers a chance to join Australia's military and apply for citizenship. This agreement aims to strengthen ties amidst rising Chinese influence in the Pacific region.
Key Facts
- Australia and PNG signed a defense pact called the Pukpuk Treaty, meaning "crocodile" in PNG pidgin, on a Monday in Canberra.
- The pact allows Australia to use PNG's military facilities and troops, with mutual defense support if either country is attacked.
- PNG soldiers can serve in Australia's military and have the option to become Australian citizens.
- The deal also includes cooperation in cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare.
- PNG's Prime Minister, James Marape, stated that the agreement is based on historical and geographical ties, rather than global politics.
- The agreement aims to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific region.
- Australia has made other regional agreements, including a security deal with Vanuatu and a police training deal with the Solomon Islands.
- Rising Chinese influence has prompted these actions, as shown by China's security deals with the Solomon Islands.
