Australia and Papua New Guinea have concluded a bilateral defense treaty to counter China's influence in the Pacific

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed the approval of the bilateral defense treaty, which will soon be signed by him and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This agreement is considered historic and will elevate the relations between the two nations to the level of an official alliance, reflecting mutual trust and shared history. The United States and Australia view Papua New Guinea as a strategic partner in the Pacific, considering China's increasing influence in the region.