Australia Finalizes Major Military Deal with Papua New Guinea

Australia will obtain rights to Papua New Guinea's armed forces bases and personnel under a recently concluded deal that will see both nations come to each other's defence if one faces aggression.

The security treaty will permit a maximum of 10,000 PNG citizens to serve in Australia's military. They will also have the opportunity to become Australian citizens.

Agreement Specifics

Known as the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "the crocodile" in PNG pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the most recent in a succession of treaties concluded among countries in the Pacific and nations seeking a military influence in the region.

This agreement can deliver a strong response and, in the manner of this predator, its impact demonstrates the cooperation and readiness of the defence units for conflict.

A military assault on one of the nations would be “a threat to the partner's stability” so the two are to “address the collective risk”.

Expanded Cooperation

The deal also encompassed expanded partnership around online security and electronic combat.

Previously, the PNG Defence Minister indicated that the agreement would mean that the military units of both nations would be “fully combined”.

• Initially, to restrict outside power in the nation by guaranteeing it does not have the equivalent entry to resources.
• Second, to address Australia's recent struggles recruiting for its military.
• In conclusion, the agreement also communicates a point to other global powers.

The positive outcomes of the agreement were three-pronged, according to a regional security expert.

“Papua New Guinea possesses numerous capable nationals eager for these opportunities,” the expert noted, adding that numerous individuals would be interested in the possibilities of residing in the country and potentially getting Australian citizenship.

Regional Implications

This agreement is a component of a so-called centralized security framework of defence pacts in the area – with the nation at the centre and regional countries being the allies.

There are concerns that the agreement could weaken the nation's non-aligned foreign policy position by aligning PNG with its partner on each safety concern.

The two nations need greater clarity on the foreseen results, obligations and assurances.

The deal also included yearly combined drills which were about “demonstrating capability,” to “highlight joint defence capacity and swift mobilization against outside risks”.

The pact would help modernise the defence force, bringing a notable improvement in both equipment and esprit de corps.