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Shifting Tides: Papua New Guinea’s Role in Pacific Security Through the Biketawa and Boe Declarations

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The Pacific Islands Forum has long been a cornerstone of regional unity, bringing together member states to address shared challenges. Two key agreements—the Biketawa Declaration of 2000 and the Boe Declaration of 2018 —highlight the Pacific’s evolving approach to security. While the Biketawa Declaration emphasized traditional security concerns, the Boe Declaration reflects a shift towards non-traditional issues like climate change, transnational crime, and cyber threats. Papua New Guinea, as a key player in the region, has an important role in implementing these frameworks, with the National Intelligence Organization (NIO) positioned to bridge national and regional priorities. At the heart of both agreements lies the principle of non-interference. Respect for sovereignty is fundamental to regional cooperation, enabling collective action without undermining the autonomy of member states. However, real-world challenges often test this ideal. For instance, the regional assistance missi
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Redefining National Security: Why PNG’s NIO Act Needs an Update

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In a rapidly evolving global and regional security environment, Papua New Guinea faces a range of new challenges that demand a fresh approach to national security. The National Intelligence Organization Act 1984 was crafted in an era when threats were largely limited to espionage, sabotage, and terrorism. While these remain relevant, the definition of national security must evolve to reflect the complexities of today’s world. Why the Current Definition Is Outdated The Act defines national security as protecting PNG from threats like espionage, sabotage, and terrorism, as well as fulfilling international obligations. However, it overlooks modern concerns such as cyber threats, environmental degradation, economic vulnerabilities, and transnational crimes like human and drug trafficking. Additionally, PNG’s vast maritime domain, rich with resources, is increasingly exposed to illegal activities such as unregulated fishing and foreign exploitation. As geopolitical tensions rise, particula
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Building a Stronger Maritime Security Framework for PNG through Legislative Reform

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Papua New Guinea’s maritime domain is vast and rich, spanning over 3.12 million square kilometers and holding resources essential to the nation’s economy and security. However, threats from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes are on the rise, underscoring the need for a proactive maritime security strategy capable of effectively monitoring, protecting, and responding to these challenges. In 2013, PNG’s National Security Policy (NSP) laid the groundwork for a comprehensive, “whole-of-government” approach to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. To bring the National Intelligence Organization (NIO) Act in line with the NSP’s goals, updating the Act is essential. This article outlines key legislative amendments to enhance PNG’s maritime security and contribute to a safe, resilient, and economically stable maritime domain. One of the main tenets of the NSP is the need for strong Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) acros
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Strengthening PNG's Maritime Security: Modernizing the NIO Act for a Resilient Future

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In recent years, PNG’s maritime security needs have become increasingly urgent, especially in light of incidents like the Budi Budi island case . In this instance, a foreign vessel carrying illegal drugs was discovered stranded near the island. This discovery was not part of a planned operation but occurred by chance, revealing significant gaps in PNG's maritime domain awareness (MDA) and intelligence framework. The National Intelligence Organization (NIO) Act 1984 was crafted in a different context, focusing on internal security, counter-espionage, and sovereignty protection. While these priorities remain relevant, the Act does not fully address the modern, multifaceted threats that PNG now faces within its maritime borders. The National Security Policy (NSP) 2013 advocates for a more holistic approach to security, emphasizing coordinated inter-agency efforts to counter both traditional and non-traditional threats. Aligning the NIO Act with the NSP is essential for enhancing PNG&
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Papua New Guinea and the US-China Rivalry: A Balancing Act Guided by “Friends to All, Enemies to None”

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As tensions between the United States (US) and China deepen across the Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG) finds itself navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. For PNG, balancing the competing influences of these superpowers offers both economic opportunities and strategic dilemmas, affecting everything from infrastructure to foreign policy and education. PNG’s response is grounded in a foreign policy principle established in 1975, “Friends to all, enemies to none.” This guiding tenet, designed to safeguard PNG’s independence and sovereignty, is just as relevant today as it was in the Cold War. China’s involvement in PNG’s development has grown rapidly in recent decades, with Beijing’s investments extending to infrastructure, mining, and education. The Belt and Road Initiative has financed projects such as roads, bridges, and telecommunications networks, establishing China as an essential partner in PNG’s economic growth. In extractive industries, projects like th
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Papua New Guinea's Digital Transformation: The Power of Strategic Partnerships

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In the realm of digital transformation, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is making significant strides, thanks to a series of strategic partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). At the heart of these developments is the University of Technology (UoT), positioning itself as the hub for online learning in the country. The journey began in October 2018 when the UoT and Huawei signed an MoU to establish the Huawei Academy. This partnership was witnessed by the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), marking a significant step towards digital education in PNG. Huawei Marine played a crucial role in building the Kumul Submarine Cable Network, managed by DataCo, which is vital for the digital connectivity of the country. Photo from Post Courier The latest agreement with China to enhance digital transformation in PNG is the icing on the cake. With the support of NICTA, DataCo, Huawei, the Chinese government, and the PNG government, the UoT is set to become th
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Enhancing Maritime Security: Australia-Papua New Guinea Cooperation and Future Imperatives

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Australia actively administers various bilateral and multilateral programs to strengthen relations with PNG. Among these, three pivotal programs— Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), Pacific Research Program (PRP), and Blue Security Program (BSP)—focus on crucial aspects of maritime security and evidence-based policy making in PNG and the broader Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives collectively underscore Australia’s commitment to collaborative efforts beyond immediate security concerns, aiming for long-term strategic goals. Under the Defence Co-operation Program, the PMSP facilitated PNG's acquisition and operation of four guardian-class patrol boats. Recently, the HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo was delivered and is stationed at Port Moresby’s Basilisk Naval Base, soon to be commissioned for duty at the Lombrum Naval Base in Manu Province. Joining three existing vessels —HMPNGS Ted Diro, HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap, and HMPNGS Francis Agwi—the HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo will reinforce pat
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