Japanese media: Agreement for the US military to establish a base in this island country again | Supply | US military
According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on July 20, according to the full text of the defense agreement signed by the United States and Papua New Guinea in May, the U.S. military can use six strongholds including the Papua New Guinea naval base in 15 years.
The US Department of Defense announced on July 18th that Defense Secretary Austin will visit Papua New Guinea and Australia in late July to "begin the next phase of discussions" on the defense agreement, emphasizing the idea of implementing the agreement. After approval by the Papua New Guinea parliament, the agreement text will be officially announced.
The report states that the purpose of the agreement is to further strengthen defense relations and address common security issues. The validity period of the agreement is set at 15 years, and can be extended if neither party objects.
The report points out that according to the agreement, the US military can use six strongholds, including the Longbloom Naval Base located in northern Papua New Guinea. The US military is studying using them to refuel aircraft and ships, as well as to reserve military supplies.
According to the report, the full text of the agreement also shows that in view of the "war in Taiwan" and other situations, the agreement clearly stipulates that the relevant purpose is to "deal with unexpected events".
According to previous reports from Reuters, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape stated on May 23 that the country will not be used as a base for "launching war" and that the defense agreement signed with the United States prohibits "offensive military operations".
Marape said, "There is a clear clause that indicates that this partnership is not a relationship that uses Papua New Guinea as a place to launch offensive military operations."
Marape stated that this agreement will bring about "significant infrastructure investment" for the construction of airports, ports, roads, communication and power facilities, benefiting the public, but did not disclose details. He said that a subsidiary agreement is being developed to determine how US military and civilian contractors will enter Papua New Guinea.