The Yegiora Files

PNG, the largest and most populous Pacific Island nation, is absent from one of the world’s most critical security forums, the Munich Security Conference (MSC). This absence is perplexing given PNG’s growing geopolitical significance. Meanwhile, smaller Pacific nations like Fiji have made their presence felt at the MSC, using the platform to enhance their international standing. The question then arises: why isn’t PNG participating, despite its size, strategic position, and importance in the Pacific? A screenshot from the Fijian Government's Facebook page . At the 61st MSC in February 2025, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed his country’s commitment to opening an embassy in Jerusalem during high-level bilateral discussions. This was a strategic diplomatic move, strengthening Fiji-Israel relations while projecting Fiji’s engagement on the global stage. This proactive use of the MSC demonstrates how smaller nations can leverage international forums to achieve significan...

The recent accusation by China’s defense ministry against Australia regarding its surveillance activities in the South China Sea, as reported by Reuters , raises important questions for the Indo-Pacific region. According to reports, Australia conducted surveillance flights near Chinese-claimed islands, prompting Beijing to label these actions as "provocations" and accusing Canberra of undermining regional stability. For PNG, a nation deeply embedded in the geopolitics of the Pacific, this incident invites reflection on the broader implications for its own security and foreign policy. Should PNG be worried about these developments, and what do they mean for its national interests? A screenshot of the article from the Reuters website. Australia’s surveillance activities are ostensibly justified as part of its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters, a principle central to the rules-based international order. However, these actions are bound to pr...

One of the key challenges facing PNG's higher education system is the lack of PhD-qualified academics to teach and conduct research. This gap limits the ability of PNG universities to improve education quality and foster a strong research culture. Drawing insights from Higher Education as a Bridge Between China and Nepal: Mapping Education as Soft Power in Chinese Foreign Policy by Gauttam, Singh, and Chattu (2021), PNG can work with China to address this issue by creating pathways for academics to pursue doctoral studies and engage in collaborative research. A screenshot of the article by Gauttam, Singh, and Chattu. The article highlights how China has used higher education as a soft power tool to strengthen its bilateral ties with Nepal. Programs such as scholarships, research collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives have been pivotal in fostering academic exchanges and enhancing Nepal’s education system. PNG could replicate this model by negotiating partnerships with C...

In recent developments, Fiji has reaffirmed its deepening ties with Israel, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, security, climate action, and peacekeeping. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s discussions with Israel’s Foreign Minister Sa’ar Gideon Moshe, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, highlighted the significant strides both nations have made since establishing diplomatic relations in 1970. Among the key outcomes was Israel’s pledge to support Fiji’s naval security by providing patrol boats, building on previous assistance in the late 1980s. This raises an intriguing question for PNG: Should it follow Fiji’s lead and request patrol boats from Israel to bolster its maritime security? A screenshot of the announcement about the strengthening of bilateral ties on the Fijian Government's Official Facebook page. Both Fiji and PNG have historical and contemporary ties with Israel, though their relations differ in depth and focus. Fiji has ...

The recent announcement of Australia providing PNG with a $570 million (AUD) loan to support its 2024 budget raises significant questions about the interplay between Australian aid and loans and China’s increasing economic footprint in PNG. While the loan aims to bolster PNG's fiscal capacity and stabilize its economy, its implications go beyond immediate economic support, affecting the dynamics of PNG’s relations with its two key partners—Australia and China. A screenshot of the article written by Stephen Dziedzic and Marian Faa Australia’s approach to this loan reflects a strategic intent. The loan comes with conditions requiring PNG to prioritize fiscal reform and governance improvements. While these conditions appear to be aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, they may inadvertently influence how PNG engages with China’s projects. Australia’s emphasis on fiscal discipline could lead PNG to reassess its willingness to undertake additional Chinese loans or support ...

The article titled "Mutual Enrichment of Civilizations Between China and Pacific Island Countries From the Perspective of Development in the Global South" presents an ambitious narrative about the cultural, economic, and political engagement between China and Pacific Island nations, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). It frames these interactions as mutually beneficial, underpinned by shared aspirations for development within the Global South. However, while the article promotes the ideal of cooperation, it neglects critical aspects of power dynamics, long-term impacts, and local perspectives, making its analysis incomplete. The article highlights China's role in fostering cultural exchanges with Pacific Island nations, portraying this as a cornerstone of mutual enrichment. Programs such as Mandarin language education, cultural exchanges, and public sector training are presented as mechanisms for deepening understanding and strengthening ties. While such initiatives have c...

PNG’s diplomatic engagements are pivotal in ensuring the country remains a respected and influential player in the complex international arena. However, a recurring issue threatens the professionalism and effectiveness of our foreign service—the appointment of politically connected individuals as Heads of Missions (HoMs), often at the expense of experienced career Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). While some political appointees have served with distinction, the time has come to institutionalize a system that prioritizes merit, expertise, and continuity. This can be achieved by mandating through legislation that only FSOs are eligible to serve as Heads of Missions. Unfortunately, PNG is yet to have a Foreign Service Act that could formalize such a requirement. The role of a HoM is not just ceremonial—it is the cornerstone of PNG's foreign policy implementation. It requires years of experience, specialized training, and deep institutional knowledge. Career FSOs like Ambassador Helen ...