The Australian government Finalizes Major Military Pact with the Papua New Guinean government

The Australian nation will secure entry to the Papua New Guinean armed forces bases and troops under a recently concluded pact that will ensure each government provide mutual defense if an armed conflict occurs.

The pact will enable up to 10,000 PNG citizens to serve in Australia's military. They will also have the choice to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Pact Provisions

Dubbed the Pukpuk Treaty (meaning "the crocodile" in local dialect), the two-nation deal is the newest in a series of agreements struck between countries in the Pacific and countries vying for a defence footprint in the region.

The pact possesses significant force and, like a crocodile, its strength highlights the cooperation and preparation of the armed forces for hostilities.

Hostile action on any signatory would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so both should “act to meet the common danger”.

Deeper Partnership

The pact also included expanded partnership around digital domains and electronic combat.

In prior statements, the national security leader said that the deal would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “totally integrated”.

• Initially, to limit external influence in PNG by making certain it does not have the comparable reach to infrastructure.
• Second, to resolve Australia's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• Lastly, the deal also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The advantages of the deal were multi-faceted, per analysis from a regional security expert.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” it was explained, stating that a significant number would be drawn to the possibilities of residing in the country and possibly getting Australian citizenship.

Regional Implications

This agreement represents an element in a so-called centralized security framework of security agreements in the region – with the nation at the core and Pacific states being the partners.

Questions have emerged that the pact undermines PNG's inclusive and neutral diplomatic stance by linking PNG with Australia on every defence issue.

Both sides need more precise understanding on the expectations, obligations and pledges.

The pact also included annual joint military exercises which were about “demonstrating capability,” to “show the interoperability of the forces and their ability to face an external threat in the region and how quickly they can organise themselves and deploy”.

The pact would help modernise the defence force, bringing a significant boost in both equipment and esprit de corps.