Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed an agreement to support the country’s security and legal system. The document was signed in Canberra by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape on December 7, 2023, following Papua New Guinea’s defense agreement with the United States in May 2023.[1]
Marape told reporters at a joint press conference that the agreement with Australia shows that the two countries are “brotherly nations”. Marape said:[2]
“You have always supported us. What happens north of your borders has shared impact, benefits and consequences in this region. This is a comprehensive and historic agreement. It will make it even easier for Australia to help Papua New Guinea deal with its internal security needs.”
Albanese praised the support of the people of Papua New Guinea to Australian service members during World War II and said that this defense relationship was shaped by sacrifice. The text of the agreement states that “building Papua New Guinea’s capacity contributes to Pacific-led regional security and stability” and envisages Australia and Papua New Guinea cooperating on Port Moresby’s security-related equipment, infrastructure and training needs.[3]
The agreement comes amid growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing in the Asia Pacific. China’s signing of agreements to train and equip police in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu has provoked reactions in the US and Australia. Australia argues that internal security should be provided by Pacific countries.[4]
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that at a meeting of South Pacific defense ministers, including Papua New Guinea, on 6 December 2023, they decided to consider creating a Pacific Response Group to provide assistance in emergency situations. The December 6, 2023 security agreement includes increased training for Papua New Guinea police, resources for the country’s judges and measures to combat gender-based violence.[5]
Under the agreement with the US, Papua New Guinea gave Washington “unimpeded” access to its main naval bases, ports and airports, but opponents said the government had made too many concessions to foreign powers. This backlash delayed the Australia agreement that the two leaders had expected to sign in June. Marape emphasized that Papua New Guinea was happy to make deals with Canberra and Washington, but did not want to provoke Beijing.[6]
This agreement aims to strengthen security cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea. These security agreements can contribute to maintaining stability in the Pacific region and greater cooperation between regional actors.
China’s cooperation with the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu reflects a competition against the influence of Australia and the US in the region. This competition shows that the balances in the region are moving on a delicate ground.
Papua New Guinea’s efforts to balance between Australia, the US and China are noteworthy. The country is both trying to increase its security by cooperating with regional powers and pursuing a balanced policy in order not to provoke China.
The agreement’s focus on Papua New Guinea’s internal security needs aims to enhance the country’s security capacity. This is supported by agreements on training, infrastructure and equipment.
Papua New Guinea’s defense agreement with the United States reflects the country’s efforts to forge strong ties with Washington. However, the agreement has been criticized by some opponents as the government making too many concessions to foreign powers.
Australia’s consideration of creating a Pacific Response Group aims to enhance its ability to respond quickly to emergencies in the region. This could be an important step towards maintaining regional stability.
In conclusion, this agreement is an indication that the security dynamics in the region are changing rapidly. Cooperation between the parties through economic agreements instead of security agreements will contribute more to regional stability and development.
[1]“Australia and Papua New Guinea Sign ‘Historic’ Security Pact”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/7/australia-and-papua-new-guinea-sign-historic-security-pact, (Access Date: 09.12.2023).
[2] Ibıd.
[3] Ibıd.
[4] Ibıd.
[5] Ibıd.
[6] Ibıd.
