In October, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) finalized a powerful new military agreement that could reshape security in the Pacific and influence tensions in the South China Sea. Both countries have long pushed for freedom of navigation in the disputed waters, where China’s growing claims continue to alarm nations from the Philippines to Vietnam.
Under the deal, Australia gets access to PNG’s military bases, while up to 10,000 PNG citizens will be allowed to serve in the Australian military. Both countries also promised to support each other if either one faces a conflict.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape insisted the deal was not driven by global politics, even as China’s presence continues to rise across the Pacific.
A New Era of Security Cooperation
The agreement, called the Pukpuk Treaty, marks a major shift in Pacific defense. It goes beyond troop sharing and includes work on cyber defense and digital warfare.
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