Fri Oct 03 04:56:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Papua New Guinea has approved the Pukpuk Treaty, a landmark mutual defence agreement with Australia. The treaty, expected to be signed soon by Prime Ministers James Marape and Anthony Albanese, aims to strengthen defence ties, modernise PNG’s military, and allow Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force. While the full text is not public, the treaty includes a mutual defence clause and provisions for respecting PNG’s defence relationships with other countries, including China, despite Australia’s concerns over China’s growing influence in the Pacific.

**News Article:**

**PNG Approves Landmark Defence Treaty with Australia Amidst Growing Pacific Tensions**

**Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea** – Papua New Guinea (PNG) has given the green light to the Pukpuk Treaty, a significant mutual defence agreement with Australia, signaling a deepening of security cooperation between the two nations. Prime Minister James Marape announced the cabinet’s approval of the treaty, praising the “elevated” ties with Australia.

The Pukpuk Treaty, expected to be signed soon by Prime Ministers Marape and Anthony Albanese, aims to modernise PNG’s military capabilities and create a 3,000-strong national reserve force. A key provision also outlines a path for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force.

While the full treaty text remains confidential, sources indicate it includes a mutual defence clause, potentially making PNG Australia’s first treaty ally in 70 years, outside of the ANZUS agreement.

The agreement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, with Australia wary of China’s increasing influence in the region. Despite this, the treaty reportedly includes provisions respecting PNG’s defence relationships with other nations, a tacit nod to China, a significant trading partner and source of investment for PNG.

The Chinese embassy in Port Moresby has previously cautioned PNG against signing a treaty that could restrict its cooperation with other parties. This treaty will pave the way for “Australia to deepen its investment in [Papua New Guinea’s] defence sector to meet emerging challenges.”

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