China has the world’s second largest and strongest economy.[1] At the same time, Beijing is at the top of the global supply chain.[2] On the other hand, China’s growing political and economic power and increasing global influence cause it to compete with the United States of America (USA). In addition to all this, Beijing aims to compete with the rules-based international order designed by the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a matter of fact, all these issues cause an international struggle between the West and China.
Moreover, based on its political experience, the USA wants to apply the containment strategy against China, which it achieved results by applying against the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during the Cold War. This adds a regional feature to the competition between the two countries. This brings along a geopolitical struggle and therefore regional alliances and collaborations.
In this context, it can be argued that the USA has made regional moves and established important partnerships with the aim of containing China. It can be said that Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are among the countries with which Washington cooperates. On the other hand, it can be said that the USA has chosen Papua New Guinea as a new ally.
In this context, remembering that Papua New Guinea was included in the Commonwealth of Nations first is useful.[3] So King of England III. Charles’ Kingdom rule also applies in Papua New Guinea. Because this situation brings Port Moresby closer to the West cyclically.
In addition, the USA’s signing of a defense agreement with Papua New Guinea proves the aforementioned situation. The Washington administration signed a defense agreement with Port Moresby on May 22, 2023.[4] In a statement on the subject, the US State Department said that this agreement creates a framework that will help improve security cooperation, increase Papua New Guinea’s defense power and ensure regional stability.[5] The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, said:[6]
“We have problems with sovereignty as well as our internal security. We are making this agreement so that we can be sure of the security of our borders and not worry.”
At this point, it can be argued that Papua New Guinea has internalized a Western-based positioning in the Asia-Pacific Region, where it aims to develop its military power. Moreover, the fact that this country is located in the north of Australia gives the country a geostrategic importance. It can be said that this has increased the importance of Port Moresby for the USA, which carries out a containment policy against China.
Moreover, Papua New Guinea has a population of around 10 million.[7] This makes the country the most populous island country in the Pacific.[8] As a matter of fact, it can be argued that this situation is one of the factors that attracts Washington to the region.
As a result, it can be said that the effectiveness, influence and alliances of the USA in the Asia-Pacific Region are increasing day by day. It can be predicted that this situation will increase the security concerns of states such as China and North Korea and deepen the security dilemma in the region. As a matter of fact, although it is said that the main purpose of the West and NATO is to create deterrence against the states they see as their rivals, it can be claimed that these actions will have a provocative effect on Beijing and Pyongyang. On the other hand, all these actions of the USA may also lead to the acceleration of China’s unification plans with Taiwan.Spot:
[1] “Top 10 LArgest Economies in the World”, Business Insider India, https://www.businessinsider.in/top-10-largest-economies-in-the-world/articleshow/70547252.cms, (Date of Accession: 22.05.2023).
[2] “Inventory and the Role of China in Global Supply Chain”, Foundation for Future Supply Chain, https://futuresupplychains.org/whitepaper/inventory-and-the-role-of-china-in-global-supply-chains/, (Date of Accession: 22.05.2023).
[3] “Member Countries”, The Commonwealth, https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries, (Date of Accession: 22.05.2023).
[4] “U. S. Signs New Security Pact with Papua New Guinea Amid Competition with China”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/united-states-pacific-security-china-papua-new-guinea-blinken-a4a052e05ff3f03f9e392e66cca74018, (Date of Accession: 22.05.2023).
[5] Aynı yer.
[6] Aynı yer.
[7] “India’s Modi to Visit Papupa New Guinea in Outreach to Pacific Island Countries”, Voice of America News, https://www.voanews.com/a/india-s-modi-to-visit-papua-new-guinea-in-outreach-to-pacific-island-countries/7098634.html, (Date of Accession: 22.05.2023).
[8] “Pacific Island Nations 2023”, World Population Review, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/pacific-island-nations, (Date of Accession: 22.05.2023).
