PNG-Australia defense treaty creates jobs, risks amid rising China influence

Papua New Guinea and Australia's Pukpuk Treaty, signed in October 2025, allows 10,000 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defense Force and gain citizenship, creating employment opportunities for a youth-heavy population but raising concerns about potential involvement in great power conflicts. Public opinion remains divided, with supporters citing job prospects for the 58% of PNG under age 25, while critics worry PNG citizens could be used as expendable military personnel.