Washington will have “unlimited access” to military bases in Papua New Guinea and “exclusive use” of areas of the country, according to the security pact signed in May in this Pacific state, where the US seeks to counter Chinese influence.
Details of the agreement were kept secret from its signing in late May until the full text was submitted to Papua New Guinea’s parliament on Wednesday night.
Washington will be able to benefit from “unlimited access” to military areas to “deposit equipment, resources, and materials,” and will have “exclusive use” of certain areas where “construction activities” can be carried out, according to the document obtained by the news agency. France-Presse.
The deal allows the US to station troops and ships at major airports, as well as places like the Lombrum naval base on Manus Island and a seaport in the capital, Port Moresby.
Rich in natural resources and close to major shipping lanes, Papua New Guinea has become a key issue in the diplomatic tug-of-war between the United States and China.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape defended the deal in the face of a wave of protests accusing the country of relinquishing sovereignty.
“We have allowed our army to weaken over the last 48 years,” he told parliament on Wednesday night.
“Sovereignty is defined by the solidity and strength of the armed forces,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the deal was bad for the country.
Source: TSF
