World
The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a military cooperation agreement
23 May 2023, 15:53
The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a new bilateral defense cooperation agreement. The move has sparked controversy in Pacific island nations, especially as it comes as Washington and China compete for influence in the region.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape signed the treaty and maritime security agreement on Monday during Blinken's visit to Port Moresby's capital.
Either side still needs to release the initial text of the agreements. Still, the new defense cooperation is expected to expand US access to military and other facilities in Guinea, strengthening Washington's security posture in the South Sea.
