Papua New Guinea cabinet approves 'Pukpuk' Mutual Defence Treaty with Australia

Papua New Guinea"s cabinet has approved the "Pukpuk" Mutual Defence Treaty with Australia, facilitating the next steps for parliamentary ratification. This treaty represents Canberra"s first significant security alliance since the 1951 ANZUS pact.

The decision follows warnings from China in September, which advised Papua New Guinea against agreements that could restrict cooperation with third parties.

Under the terms of the treaty, both nations will regard an armed attack on one as a threat to the other, allowing for joint military operations. Additionally, the treaty permits up to 10,000 citizens of Papua New Guinea to serve in the Australian Defence Force. Prime Minister James Marape described the treaty as a "historic step" aimed at enhancing security in the Pacific region.

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