Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Papua New Guinea and Australia Approve Defense Treaty
Imagine Australia and Papua New Guinea are best friends.
They've made a special promise called the Pukpuk treaty!
If someone bothers either country, the other will help out, like superheroes for each other.
This treaty also allows up to 10,000 people from Papua New Guinea to work in Australia's army.
Australia hopes this treaty helps strengthen their friendship and to also to make sure no other countries try to cause trouble in the region.
The agreement still needs to be fully approved by both countries' leaders.
Papua New Guinea's cabinet approved a defense treaty with Australia.
The treaty is called the Pukpuk Defence Treaty.
The treaty obliges both countries to aid each other if attacked.
Up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans could serve in the Australian Defence Force under dual arrangements.
The treaty requires ratification from both countries' parliaments to be fully in effect.
- Who
- Papua New Guinea and Australia
- What
- Approved a defense treaty
- When
- Approved by PNG cabinet on Thursday
- Where
- Papua New Guinea
- Why
- To deepen trust and shared future, and to potentially counter Chinese influence.
- Treaty Name
- Pukpuk Defence Treaty
- Countries Involved
- Australia, Papua New Guinea
- Key Provision
- Mutual aid in case of attack
- PNG Citizens in ADF
- Up to 10,000
- Status
- Approved by PNG cabinet, requires ratification