The tribal clash in Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands that resulted in more than 20 fatalities has made it clear to the South Pacific island nation’s growing internal security problem. The vital island nation has drawn military attention from the United States and China. Both nations are keen to establish security pacts with the developing nation, as its international significance grows.
Papua New Guinea is the most populous South Pacific island nation after Australia, with a diverse population that relies heavily on subsistence farming. Natural resources such as gold, nickel, and natural gas are abundant in the country, but tribal warfare has a long history, and its lethality has increased with the illegal influx of modern firearms. Additionally, there is also an increasing use of mercenary sharpshooters in the country.
The United States and China have shown interest in building security pacts with Papua New Guinea. President Joe Biden was due to visit the nation but canceled to focus on other matters. Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a new security pact when he visited the country, sparking concerns from local students about the country’s sovereignty. China, on the other hand, has also shown interest in the region and attempted to sign a comprehensive deal with 10 Pacific island nations.
Australia, Papua New Guinea’s influential ally in the region, signed a security pact in December that strengthened its place as the preferred security partner for the region. The main benefit for Papua New Guinea was the assistance offered by Australia to address its internal security concerns, including increasing the size of the police force and supporting the court and prison systems. Despite this, it was revealed that the Papua New Guinea government had begun talks with China on its offer of policing assistance, while assuring that the United States and Australia remain its preferred security partners.