Toward Programme
Australia and PNG accelerate defence integration under Pukpuk Treaty - defenceconnect.com.au
GNews: Australia defence·2026-08-17AllianceP6: Defence SurgeP7: Alliance ArchitectureP8: Northern Arc
Why it matters
The Pukpuk Treaty formalises Australian defence integration with PNG, consolidating Australia's strategic foothold in the critical northern arc (Pillar 8) and strengthening alliance architecture (Pillar 7) against Chinese encroachment in the Pacific. This counters Chinese efforts to exploit regional power vacuums and signals Australia's commitment to forward regional leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
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