The Yegiora Files

In recent years, the partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China has significantly strengthened, particularly in the healthcare sector. This collaboration has led to notable advancements in medical training, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange, contributing to the overall improvement of PNG's healthcare system, as reported by The National . A screenshot from The National newspaper website showing the 15 participants from the Department of Health who attended the nursing education and management course in China. A cornerstone of this partnership is the deployment of Chinese medical teams to PNG. Over the past two decades, China has dispatched 13 medical teams, comprising 120 members, to work alongside PNG healthcare professionals. These teams have been instrumental in introducing advanced medical technologies and practices, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services in the country, according to PNG Bulletin . One significant area of focus has been ...

Maritime sovereignty is a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) national security framework, as highlighted in the Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko’s recent social media post . His emphasis on strengthening maritime governance aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of “Blue Security,” a concept explored in my chapter in Blue Security in the Indo -Pacific . This term underscores the unique challenges PNG faces as an archipelagic state with a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 3.12 million square kilometers. From illegal , unreported , and unregulated fishing to transnational crimes, PNG’s maritime domain demands urgent attention. A screenshot of my chapter on the Taylor and Francis Group website. In the chapter, I emphasized PNG's legislative progress, including the Maritime Zones Act (2015) and amendments to the Fisheries Management Act (2015) . These instruments incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provisi...

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) has been a key part of Australia's strategy to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen engagement with the Indo-Pacific. However, as China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) expands, the possibility of China creating its version of the NCP becomes a critical question. Such a program, targeting developing countries in the Pacific region like Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, could reshape the balance of influence in the region. If Australia does not respond by strengthening its efforts, China’s potential program could undermine Australia’s leadership and further entrench Beijing’s influence in the Pacific. A screenshot from The National newspaper shows the two New Colombo Plan students who chose to study for a semester at Divine Word University and the University of Technology in PNG.  China’s BRI is a global development strategy designed to expand its influence through infrastructure projects, trade, and investments. ...

The New Colombo Plan (NCP), an Australian Government initiative, aims to deepen Australia's engagement with the Indo-Pacific by encouraging undergraduate students to study and undertake internships in the region. Papua New Guinea (PNG), as Australia's closest neighbor, holds significant potential as a destination for these students. However, for the program to thrive and deliver long-term benefits, Australia and PNG must work together to address two critical issues: ensuring the safety of students and enhancing the quality of PNG’s universities. Safety concerns remain a primary consideration for students traveling to PNG. For instance, 2019 NCP scholar Hannah Brimstone recounted her initial apprehensions upon arriving in Port Moresby, citing heavy security measures and the negative perceptions surrounding PNG's safety. Her experience, detailed in her story shared by PAYA , underscores the need to improve safety conditions for international students. Addressing these conc...

The higher educational partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China has grown significantly in recent years, particularly through the expansion of the Chinese Government Scholarship program . Since its inception in PNG in 2004, as reported by the Post Courier , over 400 students have benefited from this initiative , providing opportunities for academic advancement in fields such as engineering, medicine, and international relations. In 2019, 34 PNG students were awarded scholarships to study in China, reflecting the ongoing commitment to supporting higher education in the country. Screenshot of the article on the Post Courier webpage. China’s broader commitment to higher education in the Pacific region was highlighted by the announcement of 2,500 scholarships for Pacific Island countries over three years , with PNG expected to be a significant beneficiary. This aligns with China’s wider efforts to strengthen bilateral relations through human resource development and cultural e...

Papua New Guinea (PNG), an island nation with an extensive coastline and vast maritime resources, faces significant maritime security challenges. These challenges include illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, and the need for effective surveillance of its expansive Exclusive Economic Zone. Addressing these issues is crucial for PNG’s economic stability and sovereignty. In recent years, PNG has sought international partnerships to bolster its maritime security capabilities. Traditionally, countries like Australia and the United States have been primary partners in this domain. For instance, the U .S . Coast Guard has collaborated with PNG in joint maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard marine resources. These efforts aim to enhance regional security and ensure sustainable resource management. China has emerged as a significant player in PNG’s maritime security landscape. In 2018, PNG launched joint maritime training programs with ...

The rise of China as a global economic and political power is one of the most significant developments in contemporary international relations. What makes this rise particularly intriguing is that China, a communist state, has successfully navigated the liberal international order—an order primarily established and championed by Western democracies. In doing so, China has harnessed the rules of global trade, finance, and multilateralism to its advantage, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to development that challenges traditional ideological divides. This is a lesson Papua New Guinea (PNG) should consider as it seeks to accelerate its own economic and political transformation. China's rapid urbanization and infrastructure boom—symbolic of its strategic use of state-led development within the liberal international order. Papua New Guinea can draw valuable lessons from this pragmatic approach to economic growth. The liberal international order, characterized by open markets, interna...

The recent shift in U.S. foreign policy under the "Americas First" approach, as articulated by Senator Marco Rubio , signals a renewed focus on Central and South America. The policy aims to bolster economic stability in these regions to curb migration into the U.S. However, this strategic realignment may come at the expense of U.S. aid and diplomatic engagement elsewhere, particularly in the Pacific. As Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its neighbors assess the implications, key questions emerge: Are we in America's backyard? And how will this shift affect the Pacific’s geopolitical landscape? Screenshot of Marco Rubio's statement on the 'Americas First' foreign policy, outlining its impact on global diplomacy and economic priorities. Traditionally, the term "America’s backyard" has referred to Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the Monroe Doctrine’s legacy of U.S. hemispheric dominance. PNG and the broader Pacific region, geographically distant f...

This question was recently raised in a WeChat discussion group that I am a member of. While there was no extensive debate, I took the opportunity to share my perspective based on my political science background and research on China’s economic reforms. Given the complexities of capitalism and its impact on Papua New Guinea (PNG), I believe it is important to explore whether the system itself is the problem or if the issue lies in how it is managed. Capitalism and PNG’s Traditional Economy Capitalism, at its core, is a system driven by trade, private ownership, and market competition. Interestingly, PNG’s traditional barter system shares some similarities with capitalism. Trade was, and still is, influenced by supply and demand—just as Adam Smith’s theory of the "invisible hand" suggests. However, a key difference lies in decision-making and wealth distribution. PNG’s traditional economy was more communal, whereas Western capitalism emphasizes individual wealth accumulation. T...

China’s growing influence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is not limited to infrastructure and trade—it also extends to education and cultural exchange. Through Chinese language programs at institutions like the University of Technology (Unitech), the University of Goroka (UoG), and even the PNG Defence Force, China is fostering a deeper understanding of its language and culture among Papua New Guineans. These programs are not just about language learning; they are shaping perceptions, building bridges, and influencing PNG’s foreign policy towards China. At Unitech, the Confucius Institute has been at the forefront of promoting Mandarin language education. Established in partnership with Chongqing Normal University, the institute offers Mandarin courses, cultural workshops, and exchange programs, as highlighted by Unitech’s official website . Similarly, UoG’s Confucius Center, the first of its kind in PNG, has been instrumental in introducing Mandarin to students and the broader...

China’s growing influence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) extends beyond infrastructure and trade, with education emerging as a key pillar of its soft power strategy. Through partnerships with PNG’s leading universities—the University of Goroka (UoG), the University of Technology (Unitech), the Western Pacific University (WPU), and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG)—China is shaping the future of education in the country. While these collaborations share common goals, they also reflect distinct approaches tailored to each institution’s needs and strengths. This comparative analysis explores how China’s educational diplomacy is transforming PNG’s academic landscape. At the University of Goroka (UoG), China’s focus has been on cultural and linguistic exchange through the establishment of the Confucius Center, the first of its kind in PNG. As reported by Post Courier , the center promotes Chinese language learning and cultural understanding, offering Mandarin courses, cultu...

China’s growing influence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) extends beyond infrastructure and trade—it also encompasses education and cultural exchange. Through initiatives like Confucius Institutes and partnerships with PNG universities, China is leveraging educational diplomacy to strengthen its soft power in the region. Two of PNG’s leading institutions, the University of Technology (Unitech) and the University of Goroka (UoG), have become key players in this dynamic, engaging with China’s educational initiatives in ways that are shaping PNG’s academic landscape and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Screenshots from the official websites of the Unitech and the UoG showcase their collaboration with China through Confucius Institutes and cultural exchange programs. 📸 Screenshots sourced from Unitech and UoG . Both Unitech and UoG have embraced China’s educational diplomacy through the establishment of Confucius Institutes and centers. Unitech’s Confucius Institute, establ...

The University of Technology (Unitech) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has long been a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, and its recent introduction of a Chinese language program through the Confucius Institute marks a significant step toward fostering global education and cultural exchange. This initiative, established in partnership with Chongqing Normal University in China, aims to promote Chinese language learning and cultural understanding, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. According to Unitech’s official announcement , the Confucius Institute serves as a bridge between PNG and China, fostering cultural exchange and equipping students with valuable linguistic and intercultural skills. A screenshot of the webpage The Confucius Institute officially opened its doors in Lae in 2020, as reported by Loop PNG , and has since become a hub for Mandarin language courses, cultural workshops, and exchange ...