Australia and Papua New Guinea strengthen defense ties with new security pact

Australia and Papua New Guinea will integrate their defense forces under a new security pact aimed at countering China's regional influence. The agreement, to be signed Wednesday, significantly upgrades defense relations, allowing citizens to serve in each other's militaries, with Australia offering citizenship to PNG recruits. This pact follows a 2023 security deal and aims to solidify Australia as the preferred security partner in the South Pacific, replacing a 1977 agreement.