2023-05-22 03:50:01
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (AP) — The United States plans to sign a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday, as it continues to compete with China for influence in the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea’s location, just north of Australia, makes it strategically important. It was the scene of fierce battles during World War II and, with a population of nearly 10 million, it is the most populous Pacific island nation.
The State Department explained that the new agreement will provide a framework to help strengthen security cooperation, improve the capacity of the Papua New Guinea defense force and increase regional stability.
At a breakfast meeting on Monday, Papuan Prime Minister James Marape said his country faces major security challenges, from skirmishes within the country to illegal fishing boats that light up the night like skyscrapers.
“We have our internal security as well as our sovereign security issues,” Marape said. “We are reinforcing that front to make sure our borders are secure.”
But the agreement sparked student protests in the second largest city, Lae. And many in the Pacific are concerned regarding the growing militarization of the region.
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