Australia-Papua New Guinea security pact delayed on sovereignty debate

Concerns rise in Pacific nation following similar agreement with U.S.

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Australian and U.S. navy ships sail in the South China Sea. The new security pact between Australia and Papua New Guinea could allow for closer trilateral cooperation. © Reuters

RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writer

PORT MORESBY -- Papua New Guinea's proposed security treaty with Australia is facing delays, as concerns grow that a similar deal with the U.S. could undermine the Pacific nation's sovereignty.

Australia and Papua New Guinea announced in January that they had entered negotiations for a security treaty. They initially aimed to reach a broad agreement by the end of April and sign the deal by June.

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