SYDNEY: A defense deal to be signed this week could see Papua New Guineans serve in the Australian military, Canberra said on Monday, the pact seen as an attempt to counter Beijing’s rising Pacific influence. The fresh defense agreement will be signed by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape on Wednesday in Port Moresby, part of celebrations to mark 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia.

The deal will allow the nations’ citizens to serve in either military, with Australia offering citizenship as an incentive.

SYDNEY: A defense deal to be signed this week could see Papua New Guineans serve in the Australian military, Canberra said on Monday, the pact seen as an attempt to counter…