In a significant move to bolster regional security, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape convened in Port Moresby on September 16, 2025, to sign a defence communique. This development comes after the postponement of a more comprehensive mutual defence treaty, marking Australia’s second diplomatic challenge in the Pacific region this month. The communique underscores the shared commitment of both nations to enhance defence cooperation, with Marape emphasizing Australia as PNG’s preferred security partner. The treaty, once finalized, will elevate bilateral security ties to a level comparable to Australia’s alliance with the United States, marking the first new defence alliance for Australia in over seven decades. However, the signing of the treaty was delayed due to procedural hurdles within PNG’s cabinet, which failed to reach a quorum for endorsement. This setback follows Australia’s unsuccessful attempt to secure a $500 million security partnership with Vanuatu earlier in September. Amid these developments, Australia is actively countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific, particularly after China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands. Marape reassured that China played no role in delaying the treaty and announced plans for PNG’s Defence Minister to engage with key security partners, including China, the United States, and several Asian nations, to clarify the nature of the agreement. The communique reflects the mutual recognition that an armed attack on either nation would threaten the peace and security of both. Albanese expressed confidence in the treaty’s eventual signing, highlighting its strategic importance for regional stability. Analysts, however, question whether Marape has secured sufficient cabinet support to finalize the deal, adding pressure on both leaders to navigate the complexities of domestic and international politics.