Australia and Papua New Guinea Sign Landmark Mutual Defense Treaty

Historic Alliance Forged in Canberra

Canberra, Australia – On Monday, October 6, 2025, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) officially cemented a new era of security cooperation by signing a landmark mutual defense treaty. Known formally as the Pukpuk Treaty, a name derived from the Tok Pisin word for 'crocodile,' the agreement commits both nations to come to each other's aid in the event of an armed attack. The signing ceremony took place at Parliament House in Canberra, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape putting pen to paper.

Prime Minister Albanese hailed the agreement, stating, 'This alliance of equals reflects our common commitment to a more secure and stable region.' He added that Australia considers it 'a great honour that our nearest neighbour is our newest ally.' Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the treaty was born from a longstanding friendship, declaring, 'Australia will be our security partner of choice,' and clarified that it was 'not a treaty that sets up enemies but consolidates friendships.'

Key Provisions and Enhanced Cooperation

The Pukpuk Treaty establishes a mutual defense obligation, recognizing that an armed attack on either country would pose a danger to the peace and security of both. This commitment is akin to Australia's existing ANZUS Treaty obligations with the United States and New Zealand, making this PNG's first such alliance and Australia's third.

The agreement outlines several key areas for enhanced cooperation and integration:

• Mutual Defense: A binding commitment to act together to meet common dangers arising from an armed attack.
• Military Integration: Provisions for unprecedented integration of defense forces and military personnel.
• Recruitment Pathway: A significant element includes a pathway for up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the option to apply for Australian citizenship after service. This recruitment pathway for eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are PNG citizens is set to commence from January 1, 2026.
• Expanded Cooperation: Deepened collaboration across defense, cyber, and maritime domains, including annual joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and expanded training programs.
• Capacity Building: Australia has committed to supporting the modernization and infrastructure development of PNG's defense force.

The treaty also explicitly states that any activities or agreements with third parties will not compromise the implementation of this new pact.

Regional Context and International Reactions

The signing of the Pukpuk Treaty comes amidst growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific, with both Australia and the United States increasing military ties with Papua New Guinea to counter China's expanding influence in the region. While China views the treaty as unfairly targeting its interests, the Chinese Embassy in PNG has stated that such bilateral pacts 'should not be exclusive in nature, nor should it restrict or prevent a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party.'

Prime Minister Marape, however, maintained PNG's foreign policy stance of 'friends to all, enemy to none,' asserting that Beijing understands Australia remains PNG's primary security partner. The treaty is seen as a major step in Australia's broader strategy to enhance regional security partnerships across the Pacific. The agreement will officially take effect upon ratification by the parliaments of both Australia and Papua New Guinea.