Link to article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australia-papua-new-guinea-military-forces-b2826569.html
Australia and Papua Nuew Guinea are reaching an agreement to completely integrate their armed forces under a new defence treaty, which will unite the two nations under the same protections provided by Austalia’s alliances with the United States and other major world powers. Under the treaty, the countries’ militaries will work together, sharing equipment, operations, and coordinate as a unified force. The treaty also includes provisions allowing citizens of Papua New Guinea to serve in the Australian Defense Force, which includes benefits of Australian citizenship.
The unification is likely a response to the strengthening of China’s control and influence in Oceania and the Pacific in general. Australia is looking to strengthen its partnerships in the region so that it is not as susceptible to Chinese influence. Papua New Guinea’s defense minister, Billy Joseph, has described the treaty as being mutually beneficial, as each national is dedicated to protecting the other’s territories and citizens. The treaty will see an upgrade from the previous framework into a much more tightly bound agreement, with little room for disagreement. Papua New Guinea will have the opportunity to modernize its resources and military capabilities and pull even with much of the world through access to Australia’s training systems, technology, and networks.
The social and political implications are also extensive. Australia allowing citizens of Papua New Guinea to serve in its defense forces and eventually gain citizenship is a major humanitarian move of good faith. It provides citizens of Papua New Guinea with more opportunities going forward, as Australia is a more developed country and has more pathways to the rest of the world.
This situation relates to Global Politics because of the hegemony in East Asia and Oceania, and the fact that this treaty is in response to China’s ever-present threat. The treaty itself is an act of soft power, although it could transform into hard power, should a situation where one country needs to protect the other arise.