The Yegiora Files

The recent live-fire drills conducted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Tasman Sea have raised significant geopolitical concerns in the Pacific. Many in the West view these exercises as an aggressive show of force, signaling China’s expanding military reach. However, as a Papua New Guinean, I see this as part of a larger power struggle, one that places PNG in an increasingly difficult position. The world is changing rapidly, and the rate at which China is growing will inevitably make Western powers feel threatened. One miscalculation or misjudgment could spark a serious military confrontation with devastating consequences. Screenshot of Shen Shiwei's tweet on X. China’s military activities in the Pacific are, at least in part, a response to recent Western actions. Notably, Australia’s reconnaissance aircraft flew close to Chinese military installations, an act that Beijing perceives as provocation. From China’s perspective, these drills are not just about ...

The Department of PNG and International Studies at Divine Word University (DWU) is taking a crucial step toward strengthening PNG’s foreign policy expertise by developing a Postgraduate Program in Foreign Policy Analysis . This initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of foreign policy review, formulation, and implementation in PNG’s evolving geopolitical landscape.   Why This Program Matters Foreign policy plays a pivotal role in shaping PNG’s international relations, economic partnerships, and security strategies. However, there is a growing need for specialized education and training to prepare the next generation of policymakers, diplomats, and international affairs experts. By developing this postgraduate program, DWU seeks to: Bridge the gap between theory and practice in PNG’s foreign policy landscape. Provide students and professionals with analytical tools to assess international relations. Strengthen...

PNG is making significant strides in strengthening its trade partnerships, particularly with China. The government has been proactive in pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, recognizing the immense economic benefits such an agreement could bring. International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru has been at the forefront of these negotiations, ensuring that the feasibility study for the PNG-China FTA is completed and ready for submission to the Cabinet, as detailed in Post Courier . The study, jointly funded by both governments, lays the foundation for formal negotiations to commence soon. Prime Minister James Marape’s statement, as highlighted in TVWAN , that "Australia remains PNG’s largest trading partner, and our people-to-people ties continue to grow." While this assertion reaffirms the historical depth of PNG-Australia relations, it also raises a crucial question: if Australia is truly PNG’s largest trading partner, why has there been no concrete mov...

The passing of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare marked the end of an era for PNG. As the founding father of the nation, his leadership was instrumental in shaping the country's identity and governance. Among his many contributions, one of the most profound was his role in influencing PNG’s first foreign policy. Reflecting on an earlier article published in 2019, PNG’s First Foreign Policy and Somare’s Influence , it is important to revisit and commemorate his legacy in this domain. The article explored the origins of PNG’s policy of universalism— ‘Friends to all, enemies to none’ —and examined whether Somare played a significant role in its formulation. While historical records often highlight the contributions of other key figures, such as Albert Maori Kiki, Sir Michael’s involvement remains an essential aspect that deserves recognition. Somare’s Vision for an Independent PNG Sir Michael Somare was an outspoken advocate for independence, leading PNG through its formative years. His ...

Security remains a pressing issue for PNG, particularly in the maritime domain. As part of the assessment task for the unit PG420 International and Regional Security, final-year students from the PNG and International Studies program and the Communication Arts (Journalism) program explored the concept of security, emphasizing blue security and its role in addressing maritime challenges such as illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and transnational crime. The discussions underscored the significance of regional partnerships, legal frameworks, and adaptive strategies to strengthen PNG's national security. Screenshot of the meeting transcript and video recording. I introduced the seminar, providing an overview of the session and its objectives. As the facilitator, I emphasized the importance of technical proficiency and time management in the presentations. I encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions, highlighting the value of interactive dialogue in understanding the co...

A recent YouTube video by The Daily Aus —available here —serves as a compelling entry point into discussions surrounding intelligence, national security, and the strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. In this video, hosts Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimons, alongside guest Jennifer Parker from ANU's National Security College, explore Australia’s annual threat assessment and the broader implications of espionage in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Screenshot from the video showing Jennifer Parker sharing her expert views. While the video refrains from explicitly naming the countries involved in spying on Australia, it raises critical questions about the nature of intelligence gathering in the region. By focusing on the language used in threat assessments and the ambiguous references to "foreign actors" and "hostile nation states," the discussion naturally leads to deeper inquiries about the potential actors behind these operations. From a secur...

On Monday, 24 February, seven student groups from the PNG and International Studies and Communication Arts (Journalism) programs in the PG420 International and Regional Security unit will present their responses to critical questions concerning PNG’s national security and regional security dynamics. These discussions will explore theoretical and practical challenges within PNG’s security landscape, with a particular focus on maritime security (Blue Security) and national security system reforms. The significance of these topics lies in their direct implications for policy formulation, enforcement mechanisms, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. My conceptualization of Blue Security in PNG emphasizes a necessary shift from traditional national security concerns to issues specifically affecting the maritime domain. This perspective highlights the growing threats posed by illicit activities such as drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime boundary violations. Given PNG’s str...

Security has historically been defined through the lens of military power and state sovereignty, but contemporary challenges have broadened its scope. A recent seminar explored this evolution, focusing on key questions derived from Paul D. Williams’ Security Studies: An Introduction . The discussion examined how security has expanded to encompass environmental concerns, economic stability, societal identity, and the politicization of threats. Each presentation provided a critical analysis of these themes, highlighting the complexity of modern security challenges. A screenshot of the book edited by Paul D. Williams. The first discussion addressed how Barry Buzan’s expanded security framework has reshaped both the study and practice of security. The traditional view, which focused primarily on military threats, has evolved to include political, economic, societal, and environmental dimensions. This shift reflects the growing realization that issues like climate change, pandemics, and ec...

Introduction The article Internationalisation of Higher Education in China: A Critical Analysis by Ferzghi and Tsegay (2019) examines the role of government intervention and student mobility in China’s higher education internationalisation process. The authors argue that China’s approach to internationalisation is state-driven , with the government exercising significant control over policies, funding, and institutional collaborations. The study highlights China’s efforts to attract international students , improve university rankings, and enhance its global influence through higher education. A screenshot of the article by Frezghi and Tsegay. The research is relevant to discussions on China’s global education strategy , particularly its increasing dominance as a destination for international students. However, despite providing useful insights, the study has limitations in its theoretical framework, methodological clarity, and depth of critical analysis , which could have strengthen...

Introduction The article The Sino-African Higher Education Exchange: Toward Building a Literature by Bouchaib (2022) provides a thematic literature review on Sino-African education cooperation and exchange from 2005 to 2022. The author examines key themes in existing research, such as the historical development of Sino-African education relations, the frameworks of cooperation , vocational training and knowledge transfer, and the soft power implications of educational exchange. Bouchaib argues that while the field has gained significant academic attention, much of the research remains polemical , often divided between Western critiques and Chinese perspectives . The study calls for more empirical research beyond political debates to evaluate the actual impact of China’s educational engagement in Africa. A screenshot of the journal article by Bouchaib. The article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on China’s educational diplomacy in Africa by comparing English and Ch...

Introduction The article China-Kazakhstan: Cooperation and Innovation in Education as Part of the Belt and Road Initiative by Duisekina and Ashinova (2020) examines how China’s educational engagement with Kazakhstan has evolved within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) . The authors argue that education plays a vital role in enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting cultural exchange . By highlighting student mobility, academic collaborations, and language training programs, the study provides insights into how China leverages education as a soft power tool . The article is relevant to contemporary discussions on higher education diplomacy and offers a compelling case study on China’s influence in Central Asia. However, while the research is well-structured and provides useful data, there are limitations in its theoretical depth, methodology, and scope , which require further examination. A screenshot of the journal article by Duise...

In their article, How Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are Reshaping China’s Soft Power , Siddique and Shafqat (2021) analyze how China leverages the BRI to expand its influence through economic investment, cultural exchange, and education diplomacy. The authors examine how the BRI, particularly the CPEC, serves as a vehicle for China’s soft power, enhancing China’s global image while fostering long-term partnerships with participant countries. Their study provides a critical appraisal of Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power , arguing that China is reshaping this framework by integrating economic development, security cooperation, and educational exchanges. This analysis holds strong relevance for PNG, which is also part of China’s global outreach through the BRI , particularly in infrastructure investment and higher education programs. A screenshot of the journal article by Siddique and Shafqat. The article highlights how China uses higher e...

In their article, Long-Term Impact of Higher Education on Pak-China Relations: Focusing on Educational Exchange Policies , Baloch, Salim, and Ambreen (2021) provide an in-depth analysis of the role of educational exchanges in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and China. Using social exchange theory as their analytical framework, they argue that educational exchanges create long-term benefits by fostering mutual understanding, cultural diplomacy, and economic cooperation. Their research highlights how the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has provided a platform for deeper academic collaboration, which has not only benefited individual students but has also contributed to Pakistan’s broader development goals. The lessons from this study offer valuable insights for PNG as it seeks to leverage its educational partnerships with China to improve the quality of higher education and promote internationalization. A screenshot of the journal article by Baloch, Sa...