China-PNG: Changing perspectives

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In the past few months, I have read many commentaries on social media by Papua New Guineans about the China-PNG bilateral relations. The commentaries were from people with different levels of knowledge.

Some of the commentaries were misleading and from people who knew less about both countries. There were some who gave insightful commentaries because they knew a lot. Regardless, it was good that many Papua New Guineans have started or are starting to talk about China in a different way.

Prior to 2018, the talk was centered on the cheap or poor quality goods sold in Chinese shops. Many were also concerned about the national invasion of Chinese entrepreneurs. The anti-Chinese riots in different centers around the country was a materialization of the conversation. 

The riots happened in May 2009. After that experience, I left for China to pursue postgraduate studies in September, the same year. While in China, I wrote an essay about China in PNG for my Korean professor. In that essay, I referred to the riots as the 'May mayhem 09'.   

After Peter O'Neill returned from China in June this year (2018) the conversation changed. Many have been optimistic that China will help with our need for better infrastructure. Paias Wingti publicly stated that China could help built super highways to connect the country.



This change in the conversation on social media has helped changed the view people have of China as a country, and the Chinese diaspora in PNG. In many of the Facebook discussion groups, users are discussing about the roads being built by China, and their concern about the debt trap issue. Many have read about what is happening in places like Sri Lanka.

The 'One Belt One Road' policy is not only about building tangible infrastructure. It is also changing the negative perception people have of China to a more positive perception. Now many know that China is a major player and it can compete with the US economically. The US Vice President just confirmed this last week when he gave his address during the APEC Summit.

The US Vice President has cleared the doubts that many Papua New Guineans have of China. He has indirectly told them that China is a juggernaut and we respect them enough to compete with them. In other words, if the US is worried about Chinese influence in the Pacific, then that means that China has the economic capability to assist PNG with our infrastructural needs.


Is China the answer to PNG's prayer for infrastructure development? My quest to find an answer to this question started with a Facebook poll that I created this morning. The purpose of the poll is to find out how many of my friends and family on Facebook think PNG will benefit more in a tangible way from our relationship with China.

The poll will run for 7 days. I hope during this period many will find time to indicate yes/no in order for me to draw my conclusion.

Comments

  1. Clive Martins KApril 1, 2021 at 12:17 PM

    I agree with you Mr. Yegiora. However, regular spread of Sinophobia by countries like Australia and US can cost Papua New Guinea. Therefore, I believe it is time Papua New Guineans be cautious with the type of information we consume.

    ReplyDelete

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