PNG Forges Ahead with Pukpuk Defence Pact with Australia Amid Misinformation Storm
Papua New Guinea's top diplomat has pushed back against false claims surrounding the nation's emerging security deal with Australia, insisting it bolsters national independence rather than eroding it.
Elias Wohengu, who heads the Foreign Affairs Department and spearheaded talks, released a statement last Thursday to counter harmful rumors about the agreement, officially dubbed the Pukpuk Treaty.
Initiated by Port Moresby, the pact is navigating approval stages in both legislatures. If passed, it marks the island nation's inaugural mutual protection alliance and Canberra's second in over seven decades, following the ANZUS accord.
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| PNG Forges Ahead with Pukpuk Defence Pact with Australia Amid Misinformation Storm [Photo Elias Wohengu/supplied] |
At its core, the arrangement focuses on shared responses to dangers and boosting coordination between local troops and their Australian counterparts.
Wohengu stressed that the deal tackles persistent weaknesses in the military, uncovered through years of evaluations.
“This treaty does not cede sovereignty, it reinforces and strengthens it,” he declared, referencing parts of the constitution like Sections 202(b), 205, and 206, plus rules from the 2010 defence act on global duties.
A standout aspect allows qualified people from either side to seek enlistment in the partner's armed services.
“This is not about integration,” the negotiator explained. “This is about expanding employment pathways, Papua New Guinean school leavers will now have the opportunity to apply to join the Australian Defence Force, and vice versa.”
Collaboration in operations stays confined to exercises, equipment sharing, and aligning gear for smoother teamwork, particularly in crises or aid efforts.
To ease fears of outside dominance or restricted ties, Wohengu confirmed no limits on partnerships with nations such as America, Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Jakarta, or London.
“Military alliances are normal under international law and under the collective security provisions of the United Nations Charter,” he noted. “This treaty is not being done at the exclusion of any country.”
Built-in safeguards include yearly multi-level checks and an option for either government to withdraw via formal notification.
With world tensions rising, Wohengu drew parallels to past incidents like the 1990 assault on Kuwait, arguing proactive measures deter aggression.
He tied the initiative to the country's broad diplomatic approach and the current administration's focus on alliances for safety and growth.
Wohengu pointed to a fresh aid package from Japan in September, worth over 11 million kina, aimed at engineering units in the forces.
The proposal cleared legal hurdles from state advisors, requiring no law changes before enactment. Lawmakers will debate and decide on endorsement next.
“Let us work together to strengthen and enhance our sovereignty, our human rights, and our destiny,” he wrapped up.
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