Australia and Papua New Guinea Forge “Totally Integrated” Military Alliance
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A landmark defense treaty poised for signing monday will see the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) become “totally integrated,” marking a notable escalation in regional security cooperation. The agreement, expected to be finalized the day before Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, signals a deepening alliance amidst growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles, will meet with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby to formalize the pact. According to Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Billy Joseph, the treaty goes beyond customary interoperability. “We’re not talking about interoperability,we’re talking about totally integrated forces,” Joseph told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This integration envisions the ADF and PNGDF operating closely together, utilizing shared equipment, and engaging in joint operations to defend their respective sovereignties. the two nations already maintain a history of joint training programs and military exercises.
The pact will reportedly include a provision mirroring Article Four of the NATO treaty, obligating member states to consult in the event of a threat to their territorial integrity, political independence, or security. A briefing document reviewed by the ABC indicates the treaty will also facilitate reciprocal recruitment – allowing the ADF to enlist Papua New guinean citizens and the PNGDF to recruit Australians. furthermore, the agreement is expected to establish a pathway for Papua New Guineans to obtain Australian citizenship through service in the ADF.
Strategic Implications and Regional Dynamics
Negotiations for the defence treaty have been underway since June, and analysts believe the agreement carries substantial implications for Australia’s national security posture. Michael Shoebridge, founder of the defence policy think tank Strategic Analysis Australia, described the move as a critical step for Canberra to solidify its position as the preferred security partner in the region. “This is a pretty big step for PNG to say, ‘Yes, we agree, you actually are our security partner of choice, and we mean it enough to put it into a treaty,'” Shoebridge stated.”I think it says this is as close as you can get to an alliance relationship.”
however, Shoebridge cautioned that the treaty is unlikely to diminish China’s growing economic influence within Papua New Guinea.”There is enormous political influence given to Beijing as of the growing economic dependence. And that’s true for Australia,so I’m certain it will be true for PNG,” he explained.
The agreement builds upon recent investments in regional infrastructure,such as the upgraded naval base on Manus Island,opened in August by Australian Deputy Prime Minister richard Marles. Marles emphasized the importance of reciprocal access to defence facilities, stating, “It’s really clear … that we want to be able to operate out of each other’s facilities.”
Sovereignty and Financial Considerations
Minister Joseph assured that the agreement would not compromise the sovereignty of either nation and includes provisions for future amendments. He also expressed confidence in unanimous parliamentary support for the treaty’s ratification within Papua New Guinea.
Looking ahead, the integration of the two militaries will require careful management to ensure a collaborative partnership, rather than the PNGDF becoming subordinate to the ADF. “PNG is about to celebrate 50 years of independence, and I doubt anyone in PNG wants to compromise that independence or be seen to compromise that independence,” shoebridge noted.
Furthermore, the treaty could present significant financial challenges for Australia, especially if both militaries aim to standardize on high-end equipment. “[Australia’s] defence force is not known as a set of bargain basement shoppers; they tend to buy the most expensive solutions for everything,” Shoebridge observed. “I can imagine there needing to be some further budget support for PNG to their military to allow them to have the champagne tastes that our military has.”
The agreement, according to Minister Joseph, will also send a clear message to other nations in the Pacific region, demonstrating a commitment to regional security and a clear preference for strategic partnerships. As Papua New Guinea embarks on its next half-century of independence, this defence treaty marks a pivotal moment in its relationship with Australia and a significant development in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
