🔗 Share this article Australia's Prime Minister Unable to Finalize Security Pact with Papua New Guinea Anthony Albanese's strategy of pushing back against Chinese expansion in the Pacific Islands has faced another setback, with a key security agreement with Papua New Guinea postponed due to national autonomy issues. Agreement Finalization Postponed Amid Sovereignty Discussions An agreement was anticipated to be signed this week, but the prime minister is set to depart Port Moresby without concluding the mutual defence treaty with his PNG Prime Minister, James Marape. The Australian PM downplayed the postponement, indicating that government discussions were affected by celebrations of PNG's independence anniversary. In place of a treaty, the two nations agreed to a joint communique and committed to continue talks on the wider defence pact. Second Setback in Recent Weeks It is the second postponement in as many weeks for Albanese. Earlier this month's regional summit, the government of Vanuatu paused the finalization of a bilateral deal with Australia, citing that more work was needed on resource investment from China. Main Components of the Planned Agreement The proposed treaty is intended to create shared security measures in the case of a military attack, and would enable nationals of both countries to enlist in the military of the other. Joint training exercises Improved technical interoperability New cooperation on digital defence Diplomatic Efforts and Next Steps The Prime Minister has also promoted a arrangement for PNG to join the National Rugby League in 2028, which serves as a major diplomatic sweetener within the wider $600m partnership. He emphasized that there was no delay to the team joining the competition. Addressing media at a press conference in Port Moresby, Albanese said that the text of the defence agreement had been agreed upon, but both sides required further discussion to finalize their respective cabinet processes. "This is highly beneficial. There is no downside in this whatsoever. It is entirely advantageous for Australia and for PNG." PNG's Perspective Marape noted that PNG's defence capability was not sufficient to protect the country and its people, making shared security settings with Australia essential. He emphasized that the proposed agreement was initiated by Papua New Guinea, not from Australia, and that it would not compromise PNG's sovereignty. "A security treaty for Papua New Guinea would be the most significant level of secure relations we have given to any country." Response from Opponitions The Liberal senator Jane Hume described the delay as "a significant setback for the PM", adding that it is "really important that these deals are approached appropriately and with a guarantee that they will actually come through." Broader Implications China has employed infrastructure funding and loan agreements to build influence with Pacific Island countries, challenging Australia's relationships with the area and straining the country's foreign policy efforts. The Australian government believes that both agreements can still be signed in the next few months.