Papua New Guinea's Rejection of Mutual Defence Pact May Not Be Coalition's Breakthrough Moment

Latest Blow to Labor's Pacific Defence Strategy Might Not Be the Embarrassment the Coalition Claims Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape's cabinet rejected the mutual defence agreement, citing concerns over sovereignty. However, experts argue that the delay may not be as significant as the Coalition claims. Anthony Albanese's visit to Papua New Guinea was expected to culminate in a landmark mutual defence agreement and the designation of the one-time colony as a formal ally of Australia. Instead, the prime minister left Port Moresby on Wednesday with only a 300-word joint communique signed with Marape. The Pukpuk treaty, named after a traditional Papua New Guinean dance, was meant to strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations. However, the agreement's text had not been finalized, and Marape's cabinet raised concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity. Albanese insisted that the text of the agreement had been approved, but the delay has sparked criticism from the Coalition. "This is a major embarrassment for Labor's Pacific defence strategy," said a spokesperson for the opposition party. However, experts argue that the delay may not be as significant as the Coalition claims. "Democracies run on proper process and things take time," Albanese said in a statement. "Unlike authoritarian regimes, we can't just rush through agreements without considering the implications." The rejection of the mutual defence agreement is the latest blow to Labor's Pacific defence strategy, which has faced criticism for being overly ambitious and lacking clear goals. The delay may also impact Australia's bid to join the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a grouping of nations that includes the US, Japan, India, and Australia. The current status of the Pukpuk treaty remains uncertain, with both sides indicating a willingness to continue negotiations. "We are committed to strengthening our defence cooperation with Papua New Guinea," said an Australian government spokesperson. "We will work closely with Marape's cabinet to address their concerns and finalize the agreement." As the situation unfolds, experts warn that the delay may have significant implications for regional security and Australia's role in the Pacific. "The rejection of the mutual defence agreement highlights the complexities of building defence partnerships in the region," said a leading expert on Australian foreign policy. The next developments will likely be closely watched by regional leaders and analysts, who are eager to see how the situation unfolds. As one expert noted, "The Pukpuk treaty may have been delayed, but its significance for Australia's Pacific defence strategy remains unchanged." *Reporting by Theguardian.*