The US signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea’s location just north of Australia makes it strategically important. It was the site of fierce battles during World War II, and with a population of nearly 10 million people, it is the most populous Pacific Island nation.

The foreign ministry said the new agreement provides a framework to help improve security cooperation, increase the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s defense force and enhance regional stability. The full deal will be made public once politicians in both countries have a chance to provide input, probably in a few months.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said his country faces major security challenges, including in-country skirmishes and illegal fishing boats lighting up the night like skyscrapers.

We have both our internal security and our sovereignty security issues, Marape said. We are acting on that front to ensure our borders are secure.

But the agreement sparked student protests in the second largest city, Lae. And many in the Pacific are concerned about the growing militarization of the region.

The US military has big plans for an Australian port, as does the Chinese company that controls the port

Naomi Kipoi, 17, said she was against the security pact because she felt it meant the US could come to her country whenever it wanted without permission. She said China has helped her country immensely by building roads and funding schools.

The US didn’t help us with aid and other things, Kipoi said. They are just trying to sign the agreement.

Last year, the nearby Solomon Islands signed their own security pact with China, a move that raised alarms across the Pacific. The US has increased its focus on the Pacific by opening embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, reviving Peace Corps volunteerism and encouraging more business investment.

But some have questioned how reliable a US partner in the Pacific is, especially after President Biden canceled his plans to make a historic stop in Papua New Guinea to sign the pact. Biden would have been the first sitting US president to visit a Pacific country, but ultimately canceled to focus on domestic debt limit talks.

US warns Solomon Islands against action over pact with China

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Biden’s home and arrived in Papua New Guinea early Monday. In response to news of Blinken’s impending visit, China warned against the introduction of geopolitical games in the region.

In addition to the defense pact, the US also signed a maritime agreement with Papua New Guinea that allows the US Coast Guard to work with the Pacific nation to combat illegal fishing and drug smuggling.

The US visit coincided with a trip by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met with leaders from the Pacific Islands to discuss better cooperation.

Blinken met with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and said the two nations had a shared vision for the region.

To ensure it remains free, open, safe and prosperous, Blinken said.

Hipkins told Blinken he was glad Blinken made the trip.

The increased US presence in the Pacific is something we welcome, Hipkins said.

But Hipkins also distinguished his own country’s efforts.

We are not interested in the militarization of the Pacific, Hipkins told reporters before the Blinken meeting. We are interested in working with the Pacific on issues of mutual interest, [such as] Climate change issues. And we wouldn’t tie military strings to that support.

Hipkins was one of the few leaders to venture out in public. He was greeted enthusiastically by hundreds of benefactors when he visited Gordons Market, a large fruit and vegetable market.