By Aaron David Miller

Copyright slguardian

Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to elevate their defence relationship to an unprecedented level, with both countries agreeing to “totally integrate” their military forces under a new security pact, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday.

Mr Albanese traveled to Port Moresby to sign the treaty alongside Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape. The deal, which comes a day after PNG celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from Australia, lifts the bilateral defence relationship to a level comparable to Australia’s security alliance with the United States.

“It is a very significant upgrade in our defence relationship,” Mr Albanese said before leaving for PNG. He will be joined at the signing by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, highlighting the broader regional security context.

The agreement provides for mutual defence, integrating the interoperability of both nations’ forces. Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Billy Joseph described it as a “mutual defence treaty” and emphasized that the forces will be fully integrated rather than merely cooperating.

The pact also allows citizens from both countries to serve in each other’s militaries. Australia will offer citizenship incentives to Papua New Guineans enlisting in its defence forces, expanding recruitment beyond the traditional Five Eyes allies.

“It’s increased interoperability, it’s increased engagement and security relationship … our economic relationship is important and our people-to-people relations as well,” Mr Albanese added. “It means that Papua New Guinea is choosing … its own interest, going forward, and it’s sovereignty.”

The signing of the pact comes amid growing concerns about China’s expanding influence in the Pacific region. A week before the announcement, China sailed a new aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait, prompting a response from Australia, which sent its destroyer, HMAS Brisbane, through the same waters. Since 2019, three Pacific island nations have switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, further intensifying strategic competition.

Security experts have noted the significance of the pact’s wording on exclusivity, with Pacific nations historically cautious about appearing to side with any major power. “If there’s any wording around Australia being the security partner of choice for a country like Papua New Guinea, that would be a big win for Australia,” said Oliver Nobetau, project director of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Network at the Lowy Institute.

The pact underscores Australia’s commitment to strengthening regional alliances in the Indo-Pacific and countering growing Chinese influence, while simultaneously respecting Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and strategic choices.