Australia and PNG Sign Security Communique, Limiting China Gains

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a security communique, marking PNG's 50th anniversary of independence. The agreement aims to strengthen Canberra's efforts to limit China's growing influence in the Pacific region. The communique outlines increased cooperation between the two nations on defense, security, and economic matters. It includes provisions for joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaboration on regional issues. The move comes as China has been actively expanding its presence in the Pacific, raising concerns among Western nations about potential strategic and economic implications. Australia, a close ally of the United States, is seeking to bolster its regional influence and counter China's growing foothold in the area. The security pact is seen as a significant step in Australia's broader strategy to maintain its leadership role in the Pacific and safeguard its interests in the face of China's rising regional influence.