To counter China’s influence in the Pacific region, the US and Papua New Guinea have struck a new pact. It provides for improved cooperation in the areas of security and the military. China warned against “geopolitical games”.
In a struggle with China for influence in the strategically important Pacific region, the US has signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Papua New Guinea’s Defense Minister Win Bakri Daki signed the agreement ahead of the start of a meeting of US officials with 14 South Pacific island nations in the capital, Port Moresby. The agreement will help strengthen security and stability in the region, Blinken said, adding: “The Indo-Pacific is very close to our hearts because this is where the future of our planet is being written. Papua New Guinea has a crucial role to play in shaping it.” this future.”
Washington is intensively courting the countries in the Indo-Pacific region in order to counter China’s drive for power in the region. Papua New Guinea’s position north of Australia makes the island state very interesting strategically: as early as World War II, the island, which was largely covered by dense jungle, was the scene of bitter fighting between the Japanese, Americans and Australians. With almost ten million inhabitants, it is also the most populous of the Pacific island states.
Access to airports and ports
The agreement gives US forces access to Papua New Guinea’s airfields and ports. Blinken said both countries could board each other’s ships, share technical expertise and “patrol” the seas.
The US State Department said the pact with Papua New Guinea would “enhance stability and security in the region”. In addition to a defense pact, a maritime agreement was also signed, allowing the US Coast Guard to work with Papua New Guinea to fight illegal fishing and drug smuggling.
China said on Friday that it was opposed to “the introduction of any geopolitical games in the Pacific Island region,” without explicitly mentioning the deal.
Concern about China, mistrust of the US
The agreed defense cooperation and maritime surveillance is controversial in Papua New Guinea. Students across the country protested against the agreement with the USA. Last year, the nearby Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China, prompting the US to step up its involvement in the region. However, many wonder how reliable the United States really is as a partner.
Prime Minister James Marape, who warmly welcomed the agreement, reacted calmly to the protests. His country has maintained military relations with the United States since 1989. According to the US State Department, the exact text of the pact will only be published after it has come into force.
More funds in the millions
In addition to the deal, the US has pledged $45 million to Papua New Guinea to fight organized crime, climate change and HIV and AIDS. The money will also be used to buy additional protective equipment for the military.
Actually, US President Joe Biden should have traveled to Papua New Guinea after the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, to strengthen ties with the Pacific region. However, he canceled the visit because of the debt dispute in his own country and returned to Washington after the G7 summit. Instead, US Secretary of State Blinken traveled to Papua New Guinea.