The US and Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed a defence pact on Monday, aiming to modernise their security relationship.
The two countries signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and an Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations.
DCA
According to the US Department of State, the DCA will replace an outdated Status of Forces Agreement and form “the foundational framework” based on which the two sides will “enhance security cooperation, further strengthen our bilateral relationship, improve the capacity of the PNG Defence Force, and increase stability and security in the region.”
The DCA will also help in facilitating “bilateral and multilateral exercises and engagements in support of regional capacity building priorities” and allow the US to be “more responsive in emergency situations, such as those involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said that the agreement underscores Washington’s commitment to deepening engagement with the region, modernising its alliance, updating its force posture, and supporting the cause of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Agreement on Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations
The agreement will address a range of maritime threats, such as “illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illicit transport of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).”
Pleased to join our Papua New Guinea partners to sign a Defense Cooperative Agreement that will enhance security cooperation, further strengthen our bilateral relationship, improve the capacity of the PNG Defense Force, and increase stability and security in the region. pic.twitter.com/0nqWYCOJAn
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 22, 2023
It will allow the island nation to participate in the US Coast Guard’s Shiprider program, enhance its organic enforcement capabilities, and improve overall maritime domain awareness.
In addition, the agreement will provide “an expedited mechanism for obtaining flag State consent to board and search vessels reasonably suspected of illicit trafficking,” as well as enhance information sharing between the two countries.
Chinese Reaction
China, which has signed several of its own security agreements with Pacific Island nations, such as the Solomon Islands, said it had no objection to normal exchanges. However, it warned against “geopolitical games.”
“China is not opposed to countries’ efforts to grow ties with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries. We always advocate that the international community should give more attention and support to the economic development and improvement of people’s well-being in island countries and do more things that could contribute to regional peace, development and stability,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press briefing.
However, Mao added that Beijing will “be on alert particularly for geopolitical games under the pretext of cooperation,” as “any cooperation should not target at any third party.”