Calling Defense Cooperation With The US Not War Preparation, PM PNG: In The Pacific We Talk About Peace

Papua New Guinea PM James Marape. (Wikimedia Commons/State Department/Chuck Kennedy)

JAKARTA - Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday said defense cooperation with the United States would build PNG capabilities, and "not for joint war preparations".

"The US does not need PNG land to be the launch pad," he told reporters at a press conference in the capital PNG, Port Moresby.

"They have bases in the Philippines, in Korea, elsewhere, closer to China," he added.

PNG and US signed a defense cooperation agreement last May, establishing a framework for Washington to renew PNG ports and airports for military and civilian use.

The treaty text shows the agreement allows the deployment of US troops and equipment at PNG, including the Lombrum naval base being developed by Australia and the United States.

In recent months, the 🇺🇸 US & 🇵🇬 PNG have taken important steps to upgrade our defense cooperation. I am grateful for Prime Minister Marape's strong partnership and thankful for his leadership as we work to make this important relationship even stronger. pic.twitter.com/UrR8tqR98t

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) July 27, 2023

In reflected months, the Laughs the US & Laughs PNG have taken imported steps to upgrade our defense cooperation. I am grateful for Prime Minister Marape's strong partnership and thank you for his leadership as we work to make this import relationship even stronger. pic.twitter.com/URR8tqR98t

The PNG parliament has yet to ratify the deal, which some opposition party politicians fear will disappoint China's main trading partner.

PM Marape himself said his government prioritized diplomacy.

"In the Pacific, we don't talk about war, we talk about peace, tolerance, and of course promote democratic, Christian, and coexistence values of each other. The United States always shows that character in their global footprint," said PM Marape.

As previously reported, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during his visit to PNG Thursday, Washington had no intention of building a permanent military base in the country despite a new defense agreement.

"I just want to make it clear, we are not looking for a permanent base in PNG," said Defense Secretary Austin.

"Our goal is to ensure we strengthen PNG's ability to defend itself and protect its interests," said Defense Secretary Austin.

The United States and its allies are seeking to prevent Pacific island countries from forming security ties with China, an increasing concern amid tensions over Taiwan and after Beijing signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands.