Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are set to sign a significant defense treaty that will legally bind both nations to defend each other against military attacks. This agreement, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, will also grant the Australian Defence Force (ADF) unrestricted access to specific facilities and areas within PNG.

The PNG cabinet approved the treaty on the eve of the country’s 50th independence anniversary. The signing is expected to take place soon. A cabinet submission described the treaty as a preparation for potential military conflicts, stating, "The treaty is meant to prepare our militaries to be battle-ready and for a very bad day."

Under the treaty, both countries acknowledge that an armed attack on either nation poses a threat to the other’s peace and security. They have committed to act together in response to such dangers. PNG's Defense Minister, Billy Joseph, emphasized that the agreement would lead to a complete integration of the two nations' military forces.

Additionally, the treaty will allow both countries to recruit citizens from each other into their respective defense forces. PNG Prime Minister James Marape expressed his commitment to strengthening the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, stating, "If someone chose to invade our country right now, as your prime minister, I don't have the capacity to defend you. I have a moral obligation to build my military to a level that I can have the capacity to defend Papua New Guinea, every child."

The treaty is being finalized amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, particularly involving Australia, the United States, and China. As PNG celebrates its independence, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials are visiting the country. Albanese described the treaty as a "very significant upgrade" in defense relations, highlighting mutual support and enhanced military interoperability.

The agreement will facilitate annual joint military exercises, referred to as Pukpuk exercises, and will include collaboration in cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare. It emphasizes respect for each nation’s sovereignty and adherence to international law.

However, some former military leaders have raised concerns about the implications of the treaty for PNG's sovereignty. Commodore Peter Ilau, a former commander of the PNG Defence Force, questioned who would ultimately control the military, stating, "Loyalty number one must be to Papua New Guinea. If that is guaranteed, then by all means sign a treaty."

PNG has traditionally maintained a non-aligned foreign policy, aiming to be "friends to all and enemies to none." Ilau cautioned that the treaty could jeopardize foreign investments in PNG, as the country has significant economic ties with nations like China and Japan.

Former PNG Defence Force Commander Jerry Singirok echoed these concerns, suggesting that PNG should prioritize its independence. He remarked, "I think we've been blinded by the fact that Australia is seeing China as a threat."

In a related development, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, met with Prime Minister Marape in Port Moresby. When asked about the Australia-PNG treaty, he stated that the discussion was unrelated to the Chinese delegation’s visit.