A Call for Balance: PNG Must Support Cook Islands and Advocate for Pacific Cooperation

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As tensions rise in the Pacific, PNG finds itself in a position of influence, one that Prime Minister James Marape must embrace. Recent developments, including China’s expanding engagements in the region, have been met with countermeasures from Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing an adversarial approach rather than one of cooperation. It is time for PNG to step forward and call for a balanced strategy—one that fosters dialogue, not division.

If I were the Prime Minister’s foreign policy advisor, I would strongly recommend issuing a statement that reaffirms PNG’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation. This statement should explicitly support the Cook Islands’ decision to engage with multiple partners, including China, while maintaining strong relations with traditional allies. Such a stance would position PNG as a regional leader advocating for an inclusive approach to international engagement. A recent analysis by RNZ suggests that the Cook Islands' decision to strengthen ties with China could open new economic opportunities while maintaining regional stability. PNG should echo this sentiment, emphasizing that the Pacific region’s stability depends on inclusivity, not exclusion. By standing with the Cook Islands, PNG would send a clear message that Pacific nations should not be forced to pick sides but rather work collectively to maintain peace and prosperity.

Screenshot of the RNZ news report written by Lauren Crimp.

The ongoing geopolitical rivalry in the Pacific has created an environment where every move by China is met with opposition from Australia and New Zealand. This reactionary approach is unsustainable and risks deepening divisions within the region. Instead of countering every Chinese initiative, Australia and New Zealand should seek to work with China in ways that benefit all Pacific nations. Infrastructure development, trade, and climate action require cooperation, not confrontation. For too long, the region has been treated as a strategic chessboard rather than a community of nations with shared aspirations.

PNG, as one of the largest and most strategically positioned nations in the Pacific, must champion this message. We share deep historical and economic ties with Australia and New Zealand, but we also have growing engagements with China. This dual relationship positions PNG as a credible advocate for diplomatic equilibrium, ensuring that Pacific nations do not become battlegrounds for external power struggles. The region cannot afford to be caught in a cycle of superpower rivalry when what is needed is collective progress.

If I were advising PM Marape, I would encourage him to initiate dialogue with Australia and New Zealand, urging them to consider constructive engagement with China rather than reflexive opposition. By leveraging PNG’s strategic relationships with all three countries, we can facilitate discussions that emphasize regional priorities, such as climate resilience, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development, rather than geopolitical competition.

PM Marape’s leadership will be crucial in navigating this complex landscape. By issuing a statement that both supports the Cook Islands' pragmatic approach and encourages Australia and New Zealand to work constructively with China, PNG can set the tone for a new regional strategy—one rooted in cooperation rather than conflict. Silence on this issue is no longer an option; active engagement is necessary to ensure that the Pacific’s future is shaped by its own leaders rather than external actors.

The Pacific has long been a region defined by solidarity and shared aspirations. If external actors continue to view the region through the lens of rivalry rather than partnership, the long-term consequences will be detrimental to Pacific nations. PNG must use its voice to remind all stakeholders that the true priority is the welfare of Pacific peoples, not geopolitical maneuvering. Stability and development should take precedence over strategic competition.

The idea of Pacific unity is not new, but it requires reinforcement in times of increasing external influence. PNG must urge regional powers to prioritize diplomatic engagement over zero-sum competition. Constructive dialogue between Australia, New Zealand, and China should be encouraged, focusing on mutually beneficial projects rather than undermining each other’s efforts. The Pacific is stronger when its nations act together rather than being divided by external agendas.

The time for action is now. PM Marape must take the lead in advocating for a regional approach that prioritizes unity and cooperation over division. The Pacific does not need more competition—it needs collaboration. PNG can and should be at the forefront of this effort, ensuring that all partners—whether traditional allies or emerging players—contribute to the region’s stability and prosperity.

Comments

  1. KAMAGL YAGL INGUMarch 2, 2025 at 1:51 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. KAMAGL YAGL INGUMarch 2, 2025 at 2:21 AM

    The intensifying superpower rivalry in the Pacific region presents both challenges and opportunities for Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its neighbors. As a key player in the region, PNG is uniquely positioned to advocate for a balanced and inclusive approach to diplomacy, ensuring that the Pacific does not become a theater for geopolitical competition. The call for PNG to take a leadership role in fostering regional cooperation is both timely and critical, given the escalating tensions between traditional powers like Australia and New Zealand and emerging partners such as China.

    The Pacific region is increasingly becoming a focal point for strategic interests, with China’s growing economic and military presence challenging the historical influence of Western powers. This dynamic has created a delicate balancing act for Pacific Island nations, including PNG. A fragmented approach to diplomacy risks destabilizing the region, undermining efforts toward sustainable development, and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities such as climate change and economic inequality. PNG’s advocacy for a cooperative strategy, as highlighted in the call to support the Cook Islands’ balanced approach, is a pragmatic step toward ensuring that the Pacific remains a zone of peace and shared prosperity.

    Globally, the Pacific region’s strategic significance cannot be overstated. Its vast maritime territories and critical sea lanes are vital for international trade and security. The competition for influence in the Pacific is a microcosm of broader geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China. PNG’s push for inclusive diplomacy could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating that middle powers can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflict and promoting multilateralism.

    Politically, PNG’s leadership in advocating for regional unity could enhance its standing as a key diplomatic player in the Pacific. PNG needs to positioning itself as a neutral broker, and it can strengthen its relationships with both traditional allies and emerging partners. However, this approach requires careful navigation to avoid alienating any major power. A misstep could lead to strained relations or even economic retaliation, particularly from larger nations seeking to assert their influence.

    Financially, a cooperative strategy could unlock new opportunities for investment and development in PNG and the broader Pacific region. By fostering an environment of stability and collaboration, PNG can attract diverse sources of funding, including from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Western development programs. However, over-reliance on any single partner could undermine economic sovereignty, making it imperative for PNG to diversify its partnerships and ensure that investments align with its long-term development goals.

    Failure to adopt a balanced approach could have dire consequences. The Pacific risks becoming a battleground for proxy conflicts, diverting resources away from pressing issues like climate change and economic development. For PNG, this could mean increased vulnerability to external pressures, reduced regional influence, and diminished capacity to address domestic challenges.

    PNG’s call for inclusive diplomacy is a global necessity. PNG just needs to championing a cooperative strategy, PNG can help ensure that the Pacific remains a region of stability, unity, and shared progress. This approach aligns with the broader principles of multilateralism and offers a pathway for navigating the complexities of modern geopolitics. As the world watches the Pacific, PNG has the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that even in the face of great power rivalry, smaller nations can shape the course of history.

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    1. Bernard Singu YegioraMarch 2, 2025 at 10:14 AM

      Thank you for your insightful comment and for contributing to this important discussion. You’ve highlighted key aspects of PNG’s strategic position in the Pacific, and I completely agree that inclusive diplomacy is critical in ensuring the region remains a zone of stability and shared prosperity rather than a battleground for geopolitical rivalry.

      As you pointed out, superpower competition in the Pacific presents both challenges and opportunities. PNG’s ability to position itself as a neutral broker is crucial in maintaining regional balance, fostering cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development. However, this requires careful navigation to avoid alienating major powers while maintaining national interests. The challenge is ensuring that regional diplomacy remains inclusive and not dictated by external strategic competition.

      I also think the NRL deal might give Australia an edge in terms of soft power influence in PNG and the Pacific, reinforcing long-standing people-to-people ties and cultural connections. However, China’s dominance in the retail sector continues to mitigate this advantage, demonstrating that economic influence remains a key battleground in PNG’s foreign relations. This is exactly why PNG must pursue a balanced and pragmatic approach, ensuring that external engagements serve national development while maintaining strong regional cohesion.

      Your mention of economic diversification is also critical. While investments from major partners like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Western development programs offer significant opportunities, PNG must ensure these align with long-term national priorities and avoid over-reliance on any single partner. A diversified, strategic engagement approach will allow PNG to maximize benefits while maintaining economic sovereignty.

      Ultimately, PNG’s push for inclusive diplomacy is more than just a regional necessity—it’s an important case study for how small powers can navigate geopolitical tensions while prioritizing peace, cooperation, and development. If managed effectively, PNG can emerge as a leader in regional diplomacy, ensuring that Pacific nations continue to shape their own future rather than becoming passive actors in larger power struggles.

      Thank you again for your well-thought-out contribution. I look forward to further engaging in this critical conversation on PNG’s role in the Pacific.

      Delete
  3. The Pacific InsiderMarch 2, 2025 at 8:12 AM

    Foreign Intereference is one of the prime factor that leads to constant political instability in our region. Cook Islands PM luckily survived a vote of no confidence after signing the economic deal with Beijing. Meanwhile, Vanuatu just appointed its 5th Prime Minister just within four years through the VONC. Samoa,Solomon Islands and PNG governments are also facing looming VONC.

    In the case of Cook Islands New Zealand have a constitutional responsibility to support its Defence and Foreign Affairs based on the government request under the COFA but Wellingtion does not have the authority to decide what types of agreements Cook Islands should sign with its external partners. Hence ,New Zealand approach is a direct foreign intereference and PNG must stand with Cook Islands. This will demonstrate that Pacific is not a playing grounds for middle and great powers competition but our Sovereignity must be respected.

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    Replies
    1. Bernard Singu YegioraMarch 2, 2025 at 10:03 AM

      Thank you for your comment. I like the second paragraph and the point about New Zealand's direct foreign interference.

      Delete
    2. Bernard Singu YegioraMarch 2, 2025 at 10:20 AM

      New Zealand’s foreign policy shift under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is a development that must be closely examined in the context of regional security and Pacific diplomacy. Traditionally, Wellington has taken a cautious and cooperative approach in the Pacific, prioritizing economic development, climate resilience, and regional partnerships. However, in recent years, there has been a subtle but significant shift toward a more assertive stance, particularly concerning China's influence in the region.

      Delete

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