Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are poised to formalise a defence alliance, akin to agreements Australia holds with the United States and New Zealand, as part of a strategy to counter China’s expanding influence in the Pacific. The pact, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, was initially set to be signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his PNG counterpart James Marape last month. However, it was delayed as Marape’s cabinet could not convene in time to approve the agreement. Following this hurdle, the PNG government has now authorised the deal, allowing it to proceed.
The Australian government confirmed that the treaty, planned to follow cabinet approval processes in both nations, will classify any armed attack on one country as a direct threat to the other’s peace and security. This arrangement will enhance military integration and interoperability between the two nations while also enabling recruitment of PNG citizens into the Australian Defence Force.
This bilateral treaty represents a significant elevation of Australia’s relationship with PNG, marking it as the first formal alliance in over 70 years and just the third overall for Australia. A government spokesperson articulated that this partnership aligns with Australia’s commitments to its established allies and strengthens existing ties among defence forces, economies, and peoples of both nations.
The alliance is also viewed as a strategic move for Australia to assert itself as the preferred security partner among Pacific nations as it navigates rising competition from China, which Marape acknowledged as an essential friend to PNG over the past five decades. Marape has expressed a desire for Australia to be PNG’s security ally without compromising ties with China, emphasising a balanced approach to international partnerships.
The delay in finalising the treaty, alongside another postponed agreement with Vanuatu, was perceived as a setback; however, experts suggest it reflects ongoing progress in Australia’s diplomatic and defence initiatives in the region. Notably, indications have emerged from Fiji and Tonga about interest in developing closer agreements with Australia, further signalling that Australia’s regional influence is not waning.
In summary, the Pukpuk Treaty not only marks a pivotal moment in Australia-PNG relations but also highlights Australia’s strategic responses to geopolitical challenges in the Pacific amidst increasing interest from other global powers.