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...