A landmark deal on defence was set to be agreed upon between the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea today.
This announcement was to coincide with the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence. Despite Australia being the strongest ally and source of aid throughout PNG’s history, the new pact will strengthen the two countries diplomatic relations even further. This agreement will also deter the growing influence of China in the South Pacific region.
The pact would see both countries actively cooperate in military exercises as well as the exchange of troops between the two nations. The pact will also see both countries come to the aid of one another when faced with conflict. Extended details of the pact are yet to be announced.
Many factions in the PNG government and military are opposing this new pact as they believe it will affect the nation’s sovereignty. The concerns come due to the heavy involvement the Australian Defence Force will have in the PNG military, including the aforementioned exchange of troops as well as the unrestricted access to military bases across the country. It is also believed that the Australia will have a larger influence on the decisions made by Prime Minister James Marape and the Papua New Guinean government.
PNG Prime Minister Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were expected to put pen to paper on the new deal today but now the outcome is less certain.
Image: Image: Shutterstock – Wirestock Creators
Produced By: James Bale
Featured In Story: Mr. Ian Kemish – Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at The University of Queensland and Former Australian High Commissioner to PNG
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 17 September, 2025