Papua New Guinea: Australian defence treaty likely temporarily sets back China’s influence in PNG politics

On 25 August, Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu, and Australia’s Defence Secretary, Greg Moriarty, signed a defence treaty draft at the PNGDF’s Murray Barracks. PNG’s Defence Minister, Dr. Billy Joseph, confirmed 15 September for the treaty’s official signing and outlined its five key elements, including cross-recruitment between the PNGDF and ADF and boosting PNGDF capability through further training and resource sharing. Prime Minister James Marape emphasised the treaty’s respect for PNG’s sovereignty and that it would also be the basis for further agreements on labour mobility and immigration. This is the first treaty PNG has signed with another country.

Assessment: The treaty is a significant element in Australia’s strategy to counter China’s influence in the South Pacific. Regionally, PNG is the largest recipient of Chinese aid, largest trading partner, and first Pacific state to sign onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative. PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, reiterated that PNG’s relations with China are centred on economic and infrastructural development - PNG rejected China’s offered policing deal following riots in Port Moresby in January 2024. During a conference in Sydney in December 2023, Prime Minister Marape emphasised that Australia and the US are its chosen security partners. China is likely to continue fostering relationships with PNG politicians through targeted investments and aid distribution to undermine the longevity of the defence treaty under future PNG governments.

Sources: “Australia and PNG to sign milestone Defence Treaty on 15 September,” PINA, August 28, 2025; “Chinese Ambassador to PNG Yang Xiaoguang Gives a Written Interview to PNG Mainstream Media The National on China-PNG Relations,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs People’s Republic of China, March 31, 2025; “Papua New Guinea in talks with China on security cooperation, foreign minister says,” Reuters, January 29, 2024.