Australia and Papua New Guinea Sign Defence Pact
- John Mayers
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 18
On October 6, 2025, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed a landmark Mutual Defence Treaty (often referred to as the Pukpuk Treaty) in Canberra. This pact elevates their relationship to a formal alliance, the first for PNG and Australia's first in over 70 years.
Key Provisions
Mutual Defence Commitment: Both nations recognize that an armed attack on either would be a danger to the peace and security of both. They commit to acting together to meet such threats in accordance with their respective constitutional processes.
Military Recruitment: The treaty creates a pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Starting January 1, 2026, eligible PNG citizens who are permanent residents in Australia can apply to join.
Expanded Cooperation: The agreement provides for the modernization of PNG's defense capabilities, joint training, and enhanced interoperability between the two military forces.
Sovereignty: Both leaders emphasized that the treaty respects the sovereignty and independence of each nation, as well as that of their Pacific neighbors.
Strategic Context
Regional Stability: For Australia, the treaty is a strategic move to remain the "security partner of choice" in the Pacific, countering the growing influence of China in the region.
PNG's First Alliance: This is the first formal defense treaty PNG has signed with any country since its independence from Australia 50 years ago.
Political Process: The signing followed months of negotiations and a brief delay in September 2025 due to administrative hurdles within the PNG cabinet.
The treaty will officially enter into force once both countries complete their internal domestic ratification processes.
Here is a link to the MSN article:
Here is a link to the official release
What a great move by both countries