US and Papua New Guinea to sign security agreement amidst Pacific competition.

The US is set to sign a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to improve security cooperation and enhance the capacity of PNG's defence force. The move comes amid concerns about increasing militarisation in the Pacific and as the US competes with China for influence in the region. The leaked draft of the agreement sparked concern in PNG about the extent of US military involvement in the country, but PNG's prime minister denied that US staff would have legal immunity. The US has increased its focus on the Pacific, opening embassies in Solomon Islands and Tonga, reviving Peace Corps volunteer efforts, and encouraging more business investment.