Australia, PNG to Sign Defence Pact on Wednesday

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6 hrs ago

Above: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at a Sydney press conference on Dec. 12, 2024. Image copyright: DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images

story last updated 5 hrs ago

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This treaty is a crucial strategic victory for Australia in countering China's expanding influence across the Pacific. Through military integration and mutual defense, the agreement secures PNG as a long-term security partner, thereby shoring up Australia's northern approaches at a time of increased geopolitical tension.

University of Queensland

Establishment-critical narrative

This defense pact raises serious questions about PNG's sovereignty and independence. The commitments to Australia undermine the country's "friend to all, enemy to none" policy, which risks dragging PNG into conflicts not of its choosing, particularly given Australia’s alliance with the U.S. amid growing tensions with China. This must be reviewed in the context of Australia's imperial impulses in the Pacific.

The Australian Global Times