Countries Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are progressing towards a bilateral defense pact, in response to China's increasing influence in the Pacific region.
Australia and Papua New Guinea Ink Defense Communique, Delay Pukpuk Treaty
In a significant development, Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a defense communique, reaffirming their commitment to finalize the Pukpuk Treaty following their internal processes. The treaty, when signed, will mark a significant step towards strengthening the defense partnership between the two nations.
The Pukpuk Treaty, named after a traditional Papua New Guinean war dance, is a proposed defense agreement that commits both countries to mutual defense. It pledges a response to an attack on one by the other. The treaty includes provisions to ensure that agreements with third parties do not compromise the ability of either party to carry out the treaty, aiming to avoid entanglements that could weaken the treaty's mutual defense promise.
Key features of the Pukpuk Treaty include integrated military cooperation, interoperability of forces and strategic assets, allowing citizens of one country to serve in the other's armed forces, joint training, exercises, and cooperation in areas like cybersecurity. These elements are designed to foster a closer defense relationship, enhancing the ability of both nations to respond effectively to security challenges.
The signing of the Pukpuk Treaty was initially delayed due to Papua New Guinea's cabinet not meeting the required quorum. However, the delay has not deterred the momentum towards strengthening regional security. Besides Australia and Papua New Guinea, the planned defense alliance will also involve Vanuatu, as Australia intended to sign significant security agreements with both PNG and Vanuatu to bolster security in the Pacific.
Australian citizenship has been discussed as an incentive for Papua New Guinea citizens serving in the Australian Defense Force (ADF). However, the focus of the Pukpuk Treaty remains on the mutual defense commitment rather than citizenship-related incentives. The treaty is expected to be finalized and signed in due course, further solidifying the defense partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
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