Papua New Guinea, Australia Will Commit to Mutual Defense to Counter “Emerging Threats”

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape speaks during a flag-raising ceremony marking the country's 50th independence anniversary in Port Moresby on September 16, 2025. (Photo by Andrew KUTAN / AFP)

A new defense treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea commits to defending each other if they are attacked in the face of “emerging threats”, a copy of the deal seen by AFP on Tuesday showed.

The pact — seen as an attempt to counter Beijing’s rising Pacific influence — is expected to be signed by leaders Anthony Albanese and James Marape on Wednesday in Port Moresby.

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by Agence France-Presse

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