Pukpuk Treaty: PNG's Security Pivot Ahead of Ratification

Pukpuk Treaty: PNG’s Security Pivot Ahead of Ratification

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After weeks of uncertainties, the historic Pukpuk Treaty has finally been signed between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The agreement now awaits domestic ratification, with Prime Minister James Marape tasked with persuading both citizens and elected representatives of its validity and importance for national interests.

Responses from Papua New Guineans regarding the treaty have been varied. While some valid concerns have been raised, they do not seem substantial enough to reverse the momentum toward ratification. PNG has historically adhered to the principle of “friends to all, enemies to none” in its foreign policy. However, this approach, as noted by Aristotle, risks leaving PNG unable to form meaningful alliances, leading to decades of missed opportunities in building stronger partnerships.

Recent discussions indicate that PNG’s foreign policy is in the midst of a significant shift, aimed at embracing a more pragmatic stance that focuses on the nation’s domestic priorities. This evolution will include a stricter evaluation of external engagements, with the Pukpuk Treaty aligning closely with this new direction. The treaty is expected to enhance PNG’s military capabilities, addressing a critical need expressed by Marape in previous media addresses, where he emphasized the limitations of the current defense capacity.

Currently, PNG’s defense forces include around 3,400 active personnel responsible for securing a vast territory of 2.4 million square kilometers. This translates to a mere one soldier for every 700 square kilometers, a stark contrast to countries like Fiji and Singapore, which maintain significantly larger military personnel relative to their geographical size. Addressing this gap will require strategic partnerships, and the treaty is seen as a vital step forward in building a more robust defense framework.

Critics of the treaty often emphasize the traditional stance of “friends to all,” which some believe mitigates PNG’s commitment to regional security. However, a deeper examination reveals that fulfilling the nation’s security needs requires selective partnerships that foster strategic trust, a necessity highlighted by the treaty’s provisions.

The bilateral agreement also addresses local security threats distinct from those recognized by Australia, whilst underscoring that PNG’s internal defense needs are still pressing and essential. This treaty does not negate existing agreements, such as the Bilateral Security Agreement focused on policing. Instead, it seeks to enhance the overall security landscape for PNG.

Another point of contention revolves around potential fallout with China following the signing of this treaty. Reports suggest that while China respects PNG’s decision to define its geopolitical alliances, it simultaneously cautioned against any agreements that exclude or limit third-party involvement. This raises questions about China’s intentions in the region and how this defense partnership might influence economic relations going forward.

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, ratifying the Pukpuk Treaty should be a top priority. This agreement is not merely a matter of surrendering sovereignty; rather, it represents a proactive measure to strengthen and exercise it effectively in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

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