To defend themselves against the Chinese advance, Papua New Guinea and the US sign an agreement

With the intention of containing Beijing’s growth and influence in the area, the US government resumed activities to secure the region from Chinese advances. China has seen great growth locally within the last few years.

The countries treaty was signed this Monday (22) in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea. Country representatives were the US Secretary of State and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. The signing took place during a visit by Antony Blinken, from the United States, to Port Moresby.

According to the State department of the capital of Papua New Guinea, the military troops of the country of Oceania and the United States have already created a good relationship based on cooperation to assist the security of the place.

The country’s government assumed in a statement that the agreement with the United States will be a form of opportunity for Papua to improve infrastructure and become a country with more defense capacity.

_{Representatives of the countries after signing the agreement. (Photo: Reproduction/Istoé)}

The deal was signed about a week after US President Joe Biden canceled a trip to Asia; the route included Sydney in Australia and Port Moresby in Papua. President Biden canceled the trip because of ongoing debt ceiling negotiations.

The US alert grew in 2022, when the Chinese capital signed a treaty with the Solomon Islands, also in an attempt to secure the location. Despite China’s attempt, it was not possible to proceed with the pact, as they did not obtain regional support with the Pacific island nations.

The text of the signed agreement and the clauses was not disclosed by either nation. However, the alliance to protect the maritime region is believed to have expansion to US military installations, which will further strengthen security in the South Pacific.

Featured photo: Representatives of countries shake hands after signing the treaty. Reproduction/Estadão