US signs new security treaty with Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's location just north of Australia makes it strategically important. It was the scene of fierce fighting during World War II. And with a population of nearly 10 million, it is the most populous island nation in the Pacific.

The US State Department said the new agreement provides a framework to improve security cooperation, enhance the capabilities of Papua New Guinea’s defense forces and enhance regional stability. The full agreement will be made public after politicians in both countries have provided input, likely in the coming months.

US signs new security treaty with papua new guinea picture 1 — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Pacific Islands leaders in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on May 22, 2023. Photo: AP

“We are deeply invested in the Indo-Pacific because the future of our planet is being written here,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters. “Papua New Guinea is playing a critical role in shaping that future.”

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said the pact was beneficial to both sides and “secures our national interest” in “becoming a strong economy in this part of the world”.

But the deal has sparked student protests in the country’s second-largest city, Lae. And many in the Pacific are concerned about the growing militarisation of the region.

Last year, the nearby Solomon Islands signed its own security treaty with China, a move that raised alarm across the Pacific. The United States has increased its focus on the Pacific, opening embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, reviving Peace Corps volunteer efforts and encouraging more business investment.

But some have questioned America’s reliability as a Pacific partner, especially after President Joe Biden canceled a planned historic stop in Papua New Guinea to sign the pact. Biden would have been the first sitting US president to visit any Pacific island nation, but he ultimately canceled to focus on debt-ceiling negotiations back home.

Secretary of State Blinken traveled to Papua New Guinea in Biden’s place early Monday. Responding to news of Blinken’s upcoming visit, China warned against “playing geopolitical games” in the region.

In addition to the defense pact, the United States has also signed a maritime agreement with Papua New Guinea, allowing the US Coast Guard to cooperate with the Pacific nation to combat illegal fishing and drug trafficking.

The US Secretary of State's visit coincides with a trip by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is holding a meeting with Pacific Island leaders to discuss ways to better cooperate.

Mai Anh (according to AP)

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