Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have today written their names into history by signing the Pukpuk Treaty. This historic deal dramatically deepens their military cooperation, mandating both countries help each other in the event of military assault. The announcement came during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Port Moresby on Monday, coinciding with the eve of PNG’s 50th independence anniversary. The treaty, which takes its name from the pidgin word for “crocodile”, seeks to strengthen joint military operations, capacity-building and regional security.
James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, articulated the need to defend his country. He stated that loyalty must remain paramount to PNG, asserting, “Loyalty number one must be to Papua New Guinea. If that is guaranteed, then by all means sign a treaty.” This undertaking is a testament to the Federal Government’s stated intention to enhance national sovereignty even as it pursues deeper international defence collaboration.
The Pukpuk Treaty creates a mutual defense obligation. It includes provisions for annual, trilateral joint military exercise—known as Pukpuk exercises. These initiatives are intended to foster a growing interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces and ultimately wartime readiness for paired forces facing shared anti-access threat.
Strengthening National Defence
From the outset, Marape has signalled loudly and repeatedly that developing a more capable, independent and interoperable military underpins PNG’s domestic security and its territorial integrity. He articulated his concerns regarding the current capacity of the PNG Defence Force, stating, “If someone chose to invade our country right now, as your prime minister, I don’t have the capacity to defend you.” The treaty is designed to prevent backsliding into these vulnerabilities, restoring the potential for much-needed US-Russian collaboration in various domains, including cyberspace and electronic warfare.
Jerry Singirok, a key player in PNG’s defense debates and independence, praised the treaty. Beyond these changes, he hopes it will present an opportunity to build goodwill for the PNG Defence Force. In his own words, he said that there should have been more consultation on the language of the treaty. He noted, “I think we’ve been blinded by the fact that Australia is seeing China as a threat.” His comments underscore worries about bigger geopolitical ramifications and a need for greater deliberation over PNG’s long-term strategic course.
The Pukpuk Treaty is meant to keep both countries combat-ready. A PNG cabinet submission outlined the agreement’s significance. Most importantly, it underscored that the agreement prepares the militaries of both countries to respond together should a worst-case scenario occur. More importantly, it shows just how critical their preparedness is when the next crisis strikes.
Concerns Over Sovereignty
The Pukpuk Treaty is a visionary stepping stone with many benefits. The Pukpuk Treaty has alarmed experts. Perhaps most concerning though, is the potential weakening of Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty. Commodore Peter Ilau asked who would be responsible for the PNG Defence Force in this new setup. He stated, “The most important question here is, who takes ownership of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force?”
Ilau warned against, in his view, an over-reliance on Australia. He remarked, “We’re putting all our eggs in one basket,” suggesting that such dependence could undermine PNG’s independence and decision-making capabilities. He underscored that countries such as China and Japan have made big investments into PNG. He was right to argue that this special treaty could indeed jeopardize those investments.
Fears for the integrity of the nation and control of its destiny are still at the heart of the debate about the treaty. Ilau expressed apprehension about aligning too closely with Australia amidst rising tensions with China: “If we realign ourselves now, we are risking all the investment that’s keeping this country afloat.”
A Future in Collaboration
The Pukpuk Treaty establishes a legal basis for expanded, deepened military collaboration between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Now both countries can recruit citizens from each other’s territories. This would be a tremendous boost to each country’s defense forces. This policy is meant to strengthen this growing partnership and make sure that both countries are in the best position to deal with threats.
Marape’s vision, it is reported, is to establish a multi-ethnic military that protects all citizens of Papua New Guinea. He stated, “I have a moral obligation to build my military to a level that I can have the capacity to defend Papua New Guinea, every child.” His commitment is part of an increasing acknowledgement throughout our country that national resilience is an imperative for our national security and prosperity.
Australia and Papua New Guinea are beginning an exciting new chapter in their defence relationship. They will conduct annual trilateral joint military exercises under the moniker of Pukpuk exercises. These talks will go a long way toward making sure the two countries aren’t just prepared, but equipped to work together smoothly and effectively.
