US gains access to PNG bases

THE US military can develop and operate out of bases in Papua New Guinea, according to a landmark security pact that is part of Washington’s efforts to outflank China in the Pacific.

The full text of the deal was tabled in Papua New Guinea’s parliament on Wednesday evening and obtained by AFP, shedding light on details that have been closely guarded since the pact was inked in May.

With Papua New Guinea’s agreement, the United States will be able to station troops and vessels at six key ports and airports, including Lombrum Naval Base on Manus

Island and facilities in the capital

Port Moresby.

Washington would have “unimpeded access” to the sites to “preposition equipment, supplies and materiel,” and have “exclusive use” of some base zones, where development and “construction activities” could be carried out.

The agreement opens the door to Washington establishing a new mili- tary footprint in the western Pacific, at a time of growing rivalry with Beijing.

Access to Lombrum could be used to reinforce US facilities on Guam to the north, which could be key in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.

Prime Minister James Marape has been forced to defend the deal against a wave of protests and criticism, with some opponents questioning whether Papua New Guinea was signing away its sovereignty.

“We have allowed our military to be eroded in the last 48 years,” he told parliament on Wednesday evening.

“Sovereignty is defined by the robustness and strength of your military.”