Papua New Guinea Seeks Security Deal With Australia

A boy in traditional dress waits to participate at an event at the sports stadium to mark 40 years of independence in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sept. 16, 2015. It was on this day in 1975 that Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Papua New Guinea (PNG) would like to establish a security treaty with Australia as security concerns led by China’s push into the South Pacific continue to grow.

PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Aug. 29 that his country is seeking to negotiate a security treaty with Australia and potentially New Zealand.