Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia are on the cusp of a historic transformation in their relationship, with the approval and imminent signing of the Pukpuk Treaty—a landmark mutual defence agreement that promises to reshape security dynamics in the Pacific. After decades of cautious engagement, shifting alliances, and the ever-present shadow of outside influence, this treaty marks a bold commitment to stand together in the face of external threats, while also navigating the complex realities of a region increasingly contested by global powers.
The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. When PNG gained independence from Australia on September 16, 1975, the mood was a mix of high hopes and quiet apprehension. As recounted by Inside Story, the early days of PNG’s independence were punctuated by dramatic events—not least the political upheaval in Australia itself, when Prime Minister Michael Somare famously quipped about Australia’s own political turmoil just weeks after the colonial handover. The relationship between the two nations has always been defined by deep ties and stark contrasts, with both countries playing their politics as fiercely as their beloved rugby league.
Fast forward to 2025, and the two nations are again at a pivotal moment. The Pukpuk Treaty—named after the Tok Pisin word for crocodile, a symbol of strength and resilience in PNG—was originally slated for signing during PNG’s fiftieth independence anniversary in September. However, as reported by Al Jazeera and Inside Story, the ceremony was postponed due to PNG’s cabinet failing to reach a quorum. Prime Minister James Marape, determined to see the deal through, rallied his government and secured cabinet approval, setting the stage for the treaty to be signed in Canberra on October 6, 2025, coinciding with the rugby league grand final weekend.
The treaty itself is unprecedented in many respects. As noted by ABC News, it is the first formal alliance Australia has entered into since the ANZUS Treaty with the United States and New Zealand in 1951. The Pukpuk Treaty commits both countries to defend each other in the event of a military attack—a significant step up from previous, more ambiguous security arrangements. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the agreement, stating his anticipation for establishing a “formal alliance” with PNG, while Marape emphasized the “depth of trust, history, and shared future” between the nations.
One of the treaty’s standout provisions is the recruitment pathway for Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Up to 10,000 PNG citizens could serve under dual arrangements, a move that not only strengthens military cooperation but also offers PNG valuable opportunities for capacity building. Additionally, PNG aims to modernize its own defence force, targeting an increase to 7,000 troops and the creation of a national reserve force of 3,000 volunteers, according to Marape’s office.
But the treaty’s significance extends far beyond military logistics. At its core, it is a reflection of Australia’s shifting strategic priorities in the Pacific, particularly in response to China’s growing influence. In recent years, as Inside Story and Al Jazeera highlight, Canberra has grown increasingly wary of the prospect of China establishing a military foothold in the region. The Pukpuk Treaty includes a so-called “third party” clause, which effectively gives Australia veto rights over PNG’s security partnerships with other countries—a provision widely understood to be aimed at limiting Chinese influence.
This strategic calculus is not lost on regional observers. Jennifer Parker, an Australian defence expert, told Al Jazeera that the treaty could see Australia gain its first new treaty ally in seventy years, while Justin Bassi of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute described it as a pathway for deeper Australian investment in PNG’s defence sector. Yet, the agreement also acknowledges the importance of PNG’s sovereignty and its right to maintain relationships with other partners. The Chinese embassy in Port Moresby was quick to caution PNG against signing an “exclusive” treaty that might restrict its ability to cooperate with third parties, underscoring the geopolitical sensitivities at play.
While the Pukpuk Treaty is poised for ratification, the road ahead is not without its hurdles. As ABC News reports, the treaty must still be presented to the parliaments of both countries for ratification. There are questions about whether PNG’s constitution will require amendments and if new legislation will be needed in Australia to accommodate the expanded defence cooperation. David Andrews, a policy advisor from the ANU National Security College, described the treaty’s approval as “one of the most important stages,” but noted that the process is far from over.
The broader context of the treaty is equally important. Australia is actively seeking to reinforce its security relationships across the Pacific, with ongoing efforts to secure similar agreements with nations like Vanuatu and Fiji. However, as Mike Hughes of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute observed, each Pacific nation presents unique challenges, and the PNG treaty may not necessarily sway others—especially as China continues to court regional governments. Pacific countries, for their part, have made it clear that they see value in maintaining ties with both Australia and China, preferring not to be drawn into a zero-sum competition between great powers.
For PNG, the treaty represents both an opportunity and a test. With a population of over 11 million and more than 10,000 distinct ethnic clans, the nation is one of the world’s most diverse—and most complex. Recurring violence and governance challenges remain significant hurdles, but the new alliance offers a chance for PNG to modernize its military and strengthen its position in the region.
For Australia, the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty is a decisive move in the so-called “permanent contest” with China for influence in the Pacific, as described by Foreign Minister Penny Wong. It signals a willingness to make public commitments to the security of its neighbors, moving away from the more secretive, hedged promises of previous decades. The hope in Canberra is that this bold step will not only reinforce Australia’s role as the region’s “partner of choice” but also deter any attempts by rival powers to upset the fragile balance of the Pacific.
As the ink dries on the Pukpuk Treaty, both countries are acutely aware that the real work is just beginning. The alliance must now be translated from signatures and handshakes into practical cooperation, legislative action, and—perhaps most importantly—trust. In a region where history looms large and the stakes are higher than ever, PNG and Australia are betting that their shared future will be one of partnership, resilience, and mutual respect.
