US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinkensigned a defense cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea today that he says will enhance the island nation’s capabilities and make it easier for the US military to interact with its armed forces.

“We are moving from a general relationship (…) to a special relationship with the US. An agreement on cooperation in the field of defense has been concluded, ”said James Marape, Prime Minister of the island state.

Under the agreement, the US will have access to the waters of Papua New Guinea near sea routes to Australia and Japan in exchange for access to US surveillance satellites, Marape also explained.

Although the agreement is presented as aimed at protecting the country’s borders, the main reason for the US commitment to the region is its ambitions. China in the Pacific, analysts say.

“Although China is not mentioned anywhere in the text, it is China that is behind the deepening of US relations with Papua New Guinea,” said Gordon Pick from the US Institute of Peace.

During the meeting with Marape, Blinken said that the US will strengthen cooperation with Papua New Guinea in all areas. The two men discussed economic growth, the climate crisis and the importance of continued U.S. engagement in the Pacific, the State Department said.

Source: AFP.