Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to sign a defence agreement this week that could allow Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian military, Canberra announced on Monday. The pact is widely seen as a move to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific.

Key Details of the Agreement

Officials’ Remarks

• Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles: “The agreement we will sign with PNG contemplates recruiting Papua New Guineans directly into the ADF. There’s more work to be done, but we are certainly interested in pursuing this path.”
• Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Billy Joseph: “A secure Papua New Guinea is a secure Australia, and a secure Australia is a secure Papua New Guinea. This deal promotes regional security.”

Papua New Guinea lies less than 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Australia’s northernmost border and is the largest and most populous country in Melanesia.

• China’s Influence in the Pacific:
  • Over the past decade, China has invested billions in Pacific nations, funding hospitals, sports stadiums, roads, and other infrastructure.
  • Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru have all switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.
• Australia’s Response:
  • Canberra has increased regional engagement to counter Beijing’s influence.
  • Prime Minister Albanese visited Vanuatu last week to discuss a deal to strengthen ties, but the agreement was not signed due to concerns over restrictions on access to foreign funding for critical infrastructure.

Significance

The Australia–PNG defence pact is a strategic move aimed at:

1. Enhancing regional security through closer military cooperation.
2. Providing career opportunities and citizenship pathways for Papua New Guineans in the Australian Defence Force.
3. Countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific, rein