US and Papua New Guinea set to sign security agreement amid Pacific militarisation concerns

The United States is scheduled to sign a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday amid concerns in PNG about increasing militarisation and as the US continues to compete with China for influence in the Pacific. The state department said the new agreement would provide a framework to help improve security cooperation, enhance the capacity of Papua New Guinea's defence force and increase regional stability. A draft copy of the Defence Cooperation Agreement leaked last week sparked concern in PNG about the extent of US military involvement in the country, with reports it gives US personnel and contractors…