The United States and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening their bilateral ties and countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific region. The agreement was signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and PNG Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby on behalf of President Joe Biden, who canceled his planned trip due to debt limit talks in Washington. While the agreement has not been made public, Blinken said it would support PNG in building up its defense capacity, addressing illegal fishing, and providing disaster relief. Marape emphasized that the pact would not affect PNG’s relationships with other nations, including China. Biden has invited Marape to a U.S.-Pacific summit later this year to discuss various issues, including trade, economic ties, and maritime security. Blinken also signed an agreement with Palau and is expected to sign a deal with the Federated States of Micronesia on Tuesday, as part of U.S. efforts to push back against China’s bid to expand its influence in the Pacific.