Australia inks landmark security deal with Papua New Guinea

Accord seen as Canberra’s bid to push back against China’s growing reach in region

- Jonathan Pearlman

SYDNEY - Australia signed a landmark security deal with Papua New Guinea on Dec 7 that is seen as a further step by Canberra to push back against China's growing reach in the Pacific.

The deal sets out plans for wide-ranging security cooperation, including providing A$200 million (S$175.9 million) over four years to support Papua New Guinea's police training, jails and judiciary.

Crucially, it includes a provision that the countries will consult each other and coordinate a response if facing direct or regional security threats.

This provision is seen as a win for Australia as it will ensure that Papua New Guinea does not secretly develop a pact with China to address security threats or for its defence needs.

The deal, signed in Canberra by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart, Mr James Marape, follows the revelations in April 2023 that China had signed a secret security deal with the Solomon Islands, a Pacific nation north-east of Australia.

That led to concerns in Canberra that China would be permitted to set up a naval base in the Solomon Islands. Both Beijing and Honiara denied any such plans.

Since the Solomon Islands deal was signed, Australia, New Zealand and the United States have stepped up efforts to boost diplomatic and security ties with Pacific nations to counter China's influence.