ANKARA

Australia failed to sign a major security pact with Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, as the two countries said it will be inked after due Cabinet processes, reportedly amid concerns over sovereignty issues.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is in Port Moresby, was expected to sign a security pact with his counterpart James Marape today.

However, in a joint statement, the two leaders said they had agreed on the text of a Mutual Defense Treaty, which will be signed following Cabinet processes in both countries.

"The signing of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – will elevate the defense relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia to an alliance," said the joint statement.

Marape did not publicly express any concerns over the security pact with Australia or the causes of the delay. However, he said that his defense minister would soon visit several countries, including China and Indonesia, to explain the treaty with Australia.

The security agreement is viewed as part of Australia’s efforts to counter China’s expanding influence in the Pacific.

Under the proposed treaty, both sides recognize that an armed attack on either nation would pose a threat to the peace and security of both.

Earlier this month, Vanuatu also delayed signing of a security and development agreement with Australia over Chinese funding concerns.

Address development as priority, says Beijing

Addressing the latest developments in the Pacific, China’s Foreign Ministry urged international partners of the island nations to help them with development.

“The Pacific islands, including Papua New Guinea, face the greatest challenge, which is combating climate change and accelerating development,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

“China is willing to see other countries in cooperation with island countries, helping them to develop their economy, improving their livelihood.”

On Canberra failing to sign the security pact with Port Moresby, Lin said: “China believes that any country's cooperation with island countries should value their independence and push their development as priority, stay open and committed and not target any third party.”

Solomon Islands was the first Pacific nation to sign a security deal with China in 2022.