U.S. and Papua New Guinea Sign Security Agreement Despite Setbacks

SYDNEY — The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a security pact on Monday, sealing a strategic agreement that had been disrupted by President Biden’s decision to cancel a visit to the Pacific island nation to deal with the U.S. debt crisis.

Traveling in Biden’s place, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape before inking the deal, which is part of broader American efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.