Australia PNG Defence Deal: Strategic Alliance to Counter China’s Rise
Canberra, October 2025 — Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a landmark defence agreement that will see both countries come to each other’s aid in case of an attack. The deal, known as the Pukpuk Treaty — meaning “crocodile” in PNG pidgin — marks a new era in Pacific security as China continues to increase its strategic presence in the region.
A Partnership Built on History and Geography
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape signed the pact in Canberra, emphasizing that the alliance stems not from geopolitical rivalry, but from deep historical and regional ties.
“This agreement is born out of geography, history, and our shared neighbourhood,” Marape said, highlighting that PNG has remained transparent with Beijing about its alliances.
He reiterated that Australia is PNG’s security partner of choice, assuring that their diplomatic relations with China remain open but uncompromised.
A Defence Pact with Real Military Impact
Under the new deal, up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans will be eligible to serve in Australia’s military. Those who complete service will also have the option to apply for Australian citizenship, a move seen as beneficial for both nations — bolstering Australia’s defence ranks while offering career opportunities for PNG’s young population.
The treaty outlines that an armed attack on either country would be considered a threat to both, requiring joint action to address the danger. It also expands collaboration on cybersecurity, electromagnetic warfare, and joint military exercises, further strengthening their interoperability.
Strategic Response to China’s Growing Presence
The agreement comes amid China’s expanding influence in the Pacific. In 2022, Beijing signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, followed by a policing agreement in 2023. These deals have seen Chinese police officers embedded across the islands — a move that raised alarms in Canberra and Washington.
In response, Australia has signed multiple security and aid agreements in the Pacific, including a $328 million deal with Vanuatu and a $190 million partnership with the Solomon Islands, aimed at supporting local police forces and building new infrastructure.
Mutual Trust and Regional Stability
Prime Minister Albanese described the Australia PNG Defence Deal as a “commitment to peace and stability” in the Pacific, saying:
“Our alliance is built on generations of mutual trust. By strengthening our regional security ties, we safeguard our shared future.”
Experts say the pact not only enhances military cooperation but also strengthens Australia’s standing as the central security partner in the Pacific, balancing China’s growing reach.
Related Stories
Trump Gaza Peace Talks: US Pushes Urgent Ceasefire Negotiations in Egypt
Jilly Cooper Dies at 88: A Life Lived in Scandal, Wit and Pageantry
Recruitment and Regional Balance
According to Oliver Nobetau of the Lowy Institute, the deal serves three key purposes:
- It limits China’s access to key PNG infrastructure.
- It helps Australia address its military recruitment challenges.
- It signals to the United States that regional partners can lead in maintaining Pacific stability.
“PNG has a young population eager to work,” Nobetau said. “This agreement gives them new opportunities while reinforcing regional security.”
Mixed Reactions and Future Challenges
While the deal has been largely welcomed, some concerns have emerged in PNG about its alignment with Australia’s foreign policy.
Anna Powles, Associate Professor of Security Studies at Massey University, noted that the treaty could test PNG’s long-standing “friends to all, enemies to none” stance.
“It strengthens PNG’s defence capacity but raises questions about its neutrality,” she said.
Nonetheless, analysts agree that the partnership reflects a strategic shift in Pacific geopolitics, with regional nations increasingly aligning for mutual protection amid global power rivalries.
A New Chapter in Pacific Security
As PNG celebrates 50 years of independence from Australia, the Pukpuk Treaty symbolizes a full-circle moment — a partnership reborn not through colonial ties, but through shared sovereignty, regional trust, and mutual defence.
With annual military drills planned and deepening cooperation across land, sea, and cyber domains, both nations are sending a clear message:
the Pacific’s security will be shaped by Pacific nations themselves.