Australia-PNG defence treaty: countries to agree to defend each other from military attack as China’s Pacific influence grows

Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s defence minister downplayed the delay to the Pukpuk defence treaty being formalised

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Australia and Papua New Guinea will agree to defend each other in the event of a military attack, part of a landmark defence agreement due to be signed on the sidelines of celebrations to commemorate the country’s independence this week.

Anthony Albanese and PNG’s defence minister, Billy Joseph, both downplayed a delay to the deal being formalised, insisting the plan known as a Pukpuk treaty won’t affect sovereignty in the former Australian colony.