Australia and Papua New Guinea to sign Pukpuk Treaty on Wednesday

Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to sign the Pukpuk Treaty, a mutual defense pact, on Wednesday in Port Moresby. The agreement stipulates that both nations will engage in joint military action if either country is attacked. It also grants Australia access to Papua New Guinea"s military facilities and allows citizens of both nations to serve in each other"s armed forces.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the treaty as a “significant upgrade” in defense ties, aimed at countering the influence of China in the Pacific region.

This development comes amid increasing concerns about security dynamics in the Pacific, reflecting a broader trend of nations strengthening defense cooperation. For related coverage, see recent developments in defense agreements.