This research argues that PNG's accession to Asean could enhance regional security cooperation, allowing Asean to expand its strategic reach into the Pacific, and Indonesia to advance its defence interests. However, both PNG and Asean face significant institutional, political, and structural challenges in the path towards full membership. PNG has several motivations driving its pursuit of Asean membership. PNG's strategic position is reinforced by its longstanding policy of remaining outside formal foreign military alliances. Nevertheless, PNG's full membership in Asean would offer strategic benefits to both Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Source: Bangkok Post January 08, 2026 18:39 UTC