Papua New Guinea said it will sign a defence agreement with the United States, ahead of a deal with Australia and despite opposition party concerns it could upset China, because the Ukraine conflict shows the need for military capability.
On Monday, the Pacific island nation will host visits by United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Zealand's Chris Hipkins and other Pacific island leaders.
While Modi's visit is expected to focus on trade, Blinken will also sign a defence cooperation agreement (DCA) with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, the two nations have said.
