Monday, March 08, 2010

PNG Needs More Awareness about China for Constructive Engagement

By Albert Tobby in Beijing

JUST few days after the Chinese vice Premier Li Keqiang visited Papua New Guinea in November last year, a fellow Papua New Guinean raised the following questions via an email correspondence:

What does PNG Government need to know about China? What do you and I need to know about Chinese companies, businesses, be their customers, vendors, or partners, employees, etc...? Who are the Chinese and What is their world view? What do they see as the proper process for making decisions? What are the goals of China's approach toward the Pacific and PNG in general?

These are billion dollar questions, in the wake of the global financial crisis when the world is in threshold of major shifts in economic power structure and polarity. PNG is not alone in the quest to know China. The world is. Even in China itself, heated debates among Party think tanks and officials about the political and cultural ramifications of their growing influence and status in the world.

To answer those questions appropriately is of great significance to PNG’s development in such a time like this when speculations of ant-Asians are filling the atmospheres of conference rooms in Waigani to dinner mats in Vidar (North Coast, Madang) and even flooding email gossips of corporate agencies in Downtown, Port Moresby to the betel nut tables in Kamkumu Market in Lae.

As it appears occasionally in the media reports, the fate of PNG’s future engagement with the Chinese and the Asian communities would lie in the Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee’s report that was disbanded. However all responsible Papua New Guineans and genuine patriots should make it their business to search for the truth and go beyond the traditional means of information gathering in order to establish proper understanding of the Chinese people and their businesses practices.

The Chinese are not new to the Papua New Guineans. The Chinese or “Kongkong” as most Papua New Guineans referred to, have been here since the WWII. However, whether it is by design or coincidence, our knowledge about China is very limited. This may probably depict the limit of our exposure and access to information on China and Chinese.

A brief explanation about our education system may shed some light on what I meant in the sentence above. We’ve read western literature since elementary all the way to university and little did we know about China.

From history to law and religion to physics, all we know about is western invention and civilization. Almost absolutely nothing about China. Some can be tempted to say this is by design. That is to say that, the world history and the current international system is the design of the victors/rulers (i.e. west).

Have you ever thought for a moment, how the world would be today had the Japanese won the world war two? Would it be better or worse?

It is an irony that, even though China has the oldest civilization in the world and were the first to initiate vital inventions that literally transformed human civilization, yet little is known about them.

Take for example some earliest Chinese inventions and contributions to human civilization are such as the printing machine, gun powder, seismograph, wheelbarrow, kite and compass, etc. All these were first invented by the Chinese. Sadly Papua New Guineans were never told that it was Chinese invention. We were told they were invented during the Greco-Roman Empire or during the Industrial Revolution.

Let’s narrow it a little bit closer to take the case of gun and gunpowder. Because of the early date of the European bottle-shaped gun and a lack of Chinese evidence until a little later, it was once thought that guns were a European invention, made in response to the invention of gunpowder and any similar Chinese weapons came later. With the discovery of gun barrels in China dating from 1288 and 1332, this view is no longer credible.

Another interesting case to take note of is the invention of world map, compass, shipbuilding and ocean navigation. Europe’s Christopher Columbus circumnavigate the globe only once in the1490's but Zhang He a renowned Chinese scholar and diplomat made about seven voyages to Africa, India and Vietnam starting in 1405.

While theories of early world map vary from early Greece, Spanish, and Chinese civilizations, Zhang He's voyage to Africa affirmed earliest Chinese world view.

In spite of having scores of undisputable evidence supporting Chinese earliest civilization; China has been a closed society since the opium war (1840's) and have been systematically subjected to foreign invasion and humiliation.

That is why, we know very little about their way of life. However, this doesn't mean that their way of life cannot be practiced anyway in the world. Chinese way of life has stood the test of time for more than 3 millennia as compared to only few hundreds of the American and Australian way of life.

I recommend that instead for Papua New Guineans to view the western way of life as the prototype, we should open our minds and exercise flexibility to accommodate China's way of life. It is discriminatory to highly value one particular culture and despise the other which is direct violations of the UN declaration of Human Rights which we are a signatory to.

It is about time Papua New Guineans both the government and civilians stop listening to the western jargons and rhetoric about China and form our own independent views about China. This will be particularly difficult because PNG's mindsets especially the literate (alas the illiterate) for generations have been trained to think the exact opposite.

Our (PNG's) current perspective of the world (including China) is the one shaped through our past 17 plus years of formal education in PNG. Even the present means of information in PNG is mesmerized by pro-western feeds.

On the other hand, China's business internationalization is very young. They are the late comers to international business arena but within less than 30 years, they've shaken and transformed global business practices.

That is why everyone is making a big fuss out of China's rise. Papua New Guineans, instead of joining the tide of skepticism and making foul cries, we should re-adjust our world view and engage pragmatically and constructively with the Chinese in a way that best suits our national and local development needs.

In a recent debate about the growing influence of China in the world, London’s The Guardian newspaper, British journalist and author Martin Jacques said the following:
“It is now widely recognized that the balance of economic power is shifting from the rich world to the developing world. Indeed, the role accorded to the G20 rather than the G8 in seeking to tackle the financial crisis is a vivid illustration of this. But what is not recognized – and has been barely discussed – are the political and cultural ramifications of the rise of the developing countries. That, I (Martin Jacques) suspect, is because there is a deeply held western view that they will – and should – end up as clones of western modernity: in other words, there is only one modernity and it is western. This is a fallacy. Modernity is a product of culture and history as much as markets and technology. The central question here is China: will it end up like us (the west) or will it be something very different and, as a result, change the world in very fundamental ways?”
In Martin Jacques’ view, there is not a chance that China will become "western". Of course, it will be influenced by the west, as it already is, but it will remain profoundly different. To think otherwise is to believe that western norms are a universal pre-condition for successful modernization. This is a highly provincial, and hubristic, mindset.
Papua New Guinean’s should by now graduate from the imposed traditional world view of seeing western norms and institutions as the universal pre-condition for successful modernization, and engage with our Chinese partners for an independent world view. Or better spell-out, our very own Melanesian way as foresighted by our founding fathers and stipulated in our very own mother law.

I acknowledge that, Papua New Guineans (government and civilians) need to know more about China and Chinese and vis-à-vis can engage in a mutually beneficial way. Perhaps it is time a proper awareness program about China's political system, economy, business practices, history and culture etc, should be conducted among the civil institutions such as schools and churches to educate the ordinary citizens of Papua New Guinea. This might help instill some perspectives to genuine patriots and set a good platform for constructive engagement in the future.

It will be much better for the Government of Papua New Guinea to start contemplating to establish a school of Confucius in the major Universities in PNG. This will help ease the cultural and language barrier between Chinese and Papua New Guineans.

Many developing countries around the world, especially African countries realized the benefits such establishment will contribute to their countries development. Today Africa has about four schools of Confucius.

Exchange in culture and education among young people will serve as a bridge to promote better understanding between our two peoples and a major driving force for a healthy and stable growth of SINO-PNG relations.

Note: Albert Tobby, a PNG postgraduate student at Tsinghua University in Beijing contributed to this article. For comments, contact him on email: senartobe@yahoo.com.au or Mathew Yakai on m_yakai@hotmail.com. The article was also published by Sunday Chronicle newspaper in Papua New Guinea.

Action speaks louder than the words

By Serena Heptol teargun in China

AT a restaurant we go to often, we tried to pay for a stranger’s dinner. This is not acceptable in China. The Chinese people need to save face. They want to look perfect in front of every one.

That means they do not want others to think they need help. They think if some one tries to help them they are looking down at them because you think they are poor. The man refused our kindness.

Sometimes people accept and sometimes people do not. I think though it’s best to try if the Spirit of God is leading us to do something. It is better to obey God and be rejected by man than to be rejected by God and accepted by man.

The staff we asked to pay his bill was very surprised and happy we would do such a thing. They commented that no one in China would ever do that. Our actions were very strange to the local people. Money is their god.

They believe that as much money should be taken from people especially foreigners. The owner of the restaurant said she thought we were special people with a good heart.

She asked us why we came to China and we replied that Jesus had told us to come to China. She explained about how she believed in Buddhism because the government told them too.

There are three types of ways to do Buddhism: the first where you say you believe but do not really in your heart, the second where you be kind to others and thirdly where you are concerned about your spirit.

When we told her how Jesus sent us to China she was not surprised and said you are concerned about your spirit. She later gave us a free drink and a very large discount off our bill which was very rare.

The lady we buy our vegetables from enjoys when we go to buy from her. Her very small shop is made from plastic sheets and bamboo and is very cold in minus 30 degrees Celsius.

She makes me sit down very close to her. We communicate the best we can, me without Chinese and her without English. She shows me the cross stitch she is making. She knows that I love and respect her.

I think that she over charges me for veggies but for the sake of the Gospel this is the one and only time I do not say anything. We sit close together and we communicate with our actions.

She too knows that we believe in Jesus and was not surprised when we told her of our faith in Jesus. When I was teaching in Dalian my students often asked me 'Serena why are not you like a normal teacher'

I would smile and say, 'normal is the failure of potential'. They would walk away confused and come back in a week and ask 'why are not you like a normal teacher' as they are standing on their table answering the question I have asked them.

One day when they asked me what I did on the weekend I said that I go to church. They said 'ohh that explains it'. They then understood why am not like other teachers.

In China, to be a Christian you can believe but not share your faith with non believers. I have to be very careful. I am monitored in every class at every school I teach at.

The Chinese government knows everything. Each province is different in their level of strictness. In Shenyang where we live is very strict.

Late last year the Shenyang government tightened the laws more. Thankfully with the Spirit of God in me is obvious. What I believe and my actions back up the living Spirit in me. I do not speak Chinese very well but when I walk down the road people wave hello. I say hello to children and occasionally give them lolly pops.

One young girl who does not speak English, I would stop by say hello and in the end I would open my arms with a big smile. I would hug her all the while having a big smile on her face.

In the end she would do the same waiting for me to hug her. The people know I love them because my actions show them. A smile, saying hello, spending time with people, giving what you can is saying “I love you and you are valuable to me”.

The owner of the restaurant said she knew we were Spirit people. Spirit speaks to Spirit. People know you by your actions.

Jeffers' (husband) mother knows I love her like my own mother because of how I treat her even though I do not speak Enga language (I will learn it much nicer than Chinese).

To be agents of change we must first pray. A praying country is a changing country. However our actions are the words of our heart. Jesus said you shall know my disciples by their fruit (John 15:8). I know a mango tree because it has mango's.

Born again Christians are of two worlds because we live in the physical world. However we are children of the highest King. We inherit the Kingdom if we produce fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:21).

Those who are born again believers are born of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:23).

This is how we should be acting. We should act them out in our lives. These are the character traits of one who has committed themselves to Jesus. Are you kind? Are you patient? Do you have self control?

Just because you go to church and say you’re a Christian does not mean you are doing these things. I can go to Big Rooster but it does not make me a chicken. People know you by your actions.

Do you act with fits of rage, jealously, selfish ambition, impurity in your thoughts, words or motives, drunkenness. Do you get drunk, dissension. Do you gossip?

Most Christians share other people’s information under the false pretense to pray about it. You do not need to know the need of some one else, pray in tongues for them and let God be God.

Do you envy? Are you sexually immoral? (Galatians 5:19-21). These things are at the opposite end of where God lives. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom (Galatians 5:21).

God is a God of Grace. We do not deserve to go to Heaven but Jesus dies for us while we were still sinners. Jesus came to earth to be the word in flesh (John 1:14).

He is the fruit of our salvation. A country that is different to what it is now can only be different if the actions of the people change. Actions make a country what it is. People who are corrupt make the country corrupt because of their corrupt actions. People who show the fruit of the Spirit will make the country that way.

To have a changing country, action must follow prayer. God will do His part but you must do yours. You are messengers of God. You have your instruction manual, the Bible and you must talk to the commander, God.

You must do your part. You are His hands and feet. Being a person of the Spirit is hard work if it goes against our sinful nature.

I am the most impatient person on the planet. I grew up with the idea that time is money. Waste time and you’re wasting money. I have to control myself when I am waiting in line or walking behind someone who is slow.

I pray in the Spirit when I feel like I want to get angry or am being impatient. I remember the person in front of me is made in the image of God. Jesus died so that God could restore relationship between God and people and people with each other.

China is teaching me patience. There are people everywhere so I am always waiting. God does not just hand us the fruits of the Spirit into us. God gives us opportunities to grow the fruit so that we can be made into His image.

We will never be perfect at these things. It takes a life time to master. I am more patient than I was a year ago but each and every one of us needs improvement especially me.

Being people of the Spirit is a huge responsibility the effects will last for eternity. Your actions can lead a person into the Kingdom of God but your actions may also lead them out of the Kingdom of God.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you ask what ever you wish and it will be given to you” (John 15:7).

If you produce good fruits and ask God to clean your country of corruption, so that PNG will be known as the country that glorifies God. GOD will give what you ask. Guaranteed!

Note. Serena Heptol Teargun contributed to this article. She lives in Shenyang with her PNG husband, Jeffers Heptol Teargun. The article was also published by Sunday Chronicle newspaper in PNG

Sino-Pacific Relations: Levels of Localisation, Aid and Investments

By Bernard Yegiora in China

THE highly publicized pre-eminence of China is captivating for analysts all around the globe, who are watching with anticipation, criticizing and praising every move, China makes daily in its path to become a developed nation.

The central idea behind this writing is to conceptualize what localization means. Furthermore, how the concept is promoting peace, stability and cooperation through aid and investments in adherence to China’s foreign policy.

Localization in this context means the harmonious co-existence of China in a foreign setting, and is categorized into three separate categories to enable an accurate analysis.

Firstly, at the macro-level is an analysis of China’s approach to the South Pacific region. Secondly, at the mezzo-level is an analysis of China’s approach to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Finally, at the micro-level is an analysis of China’s approach to local communities.

Macro-level: The Chinese government’s ability to ‘diplomatically romance’ countries in the South Pacific with gifts of aid in the form of cash with no strings attached, along with strategic investments has definitely helped in trade relations, gaining recognition and creating markets.

Traditionally, the South Pacific region has been the back yard of the West, strictly controlled and monitored by claimed Middle Power and America’s ‘Deputy Sheriff’ Australia. But China is knocking on the door challenging America and its regional allies Japan, Australia, New Zealand and France in matters of trade, investments and development cooperation.

Thus, is China using untied aid and investments as a tactic to localize? In the pacific the ‘boomerang tied Australian aid’ has been a highly debatable issue where intervention and influence have tempered with the sovereignty of the weak states.

The opposite approach of China in devotion to its foreign policy against intervention is changing the view of Pacific states. Although not publicized, they are now more inclined to the respect that China as a rising power has for their domestic affairs.


According to Jian Yang’s (2009) article “It estimated annual aid to the region is somewhere between US 100 million and $150, which represents a rapid increase although it is much smaller than Australia’s over $400 million”.

Moreover, he notes that Chinese official statistics show that China’s trade with the 14 island states that make up the Pacific Island Forum excluding Australia and New Zealand has increased from $121 million in 1995 to $1229 million in 2006.

Likewise, investments like the $625 Million nickel and cobalt mine in PNG, and millions to reinvigorate a Cook Islands Fishing and procession plant epitomizes the type of investments in the Pacific.

China is “providing much needed investments for the aid-reliant South Pacific”. Per se, the investments in the pacific have a similar impact as aid and is playing a pivotal role in the localization process.

In consequence, evolution is working in favour of China with its ever increasing hunger for natural resources, bid for legitimate recognition regarding the ‘One China’ policy and need for markets, the 21st century is inevitably the Sino centric Century in the Pacific.

Mezzo-level: Today China is the second largest aid donor to PNG. China took over Japan and US who were the traditional aid donors. In 2008, China’s Official Development Assistance to PNG was more than US$500 million.

While last year in early November during the official visit by Vice Premier Li Keqiang, PNG has signed two major pacts worth a total of CNY 830 million in a state grant and a China Exim Bank loan.

In addition to its already existing assistance, PNG will also receive extra financial support to build a state-of-the-art international convention centre in Port Moresby, and assistance to develop socio-economic projects in Madang Province.

Apart from other diplomatic reasons China is conscious of the growing anti-Chinese sentiments brought about by the influx of Mainland Chinese especially Southerners from Fuijian Province in a new wave of migration according to James Chin (2008), evident in the ‘May Mayhem 09’ where shops own by Chinese entrepreneurs were ransacked and threatened in the major towns and cities across the country last year.

As such, this visit and the gifts given are a symbol of China’s friendship and interest in developing the economy of PNG.

To China, localization is very vital in the protection of its national interest and Chinese citizens. For this reason, the visit was strategically planned and is a mind game aimed at assuring the PNG people that China is interested in PNG’s economic development.

Psychologically, this will have implications in the way Papua New Guineans view Chinese entrepreneurs post ‘May Mayhem 09’ and will help soothe the tension. In this context localization means embracing China and the Chinese as friends to walk hand in hand in the path towards development, or to harmoniously co-exist.

Micro-level: At the micro-level, it is impossible to find a British, Japanese or an Australian successfully running a fast food or retail outlet in a small town in PNG. According to Chin (2008), in comparison to their predecessors the Old Chinese, the other new ethnic Chinese from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, the new southern migrants from the Mainland are ruthless.

They know the art of localization, acclimatizing and surviving. They can eat anything, sleep anywhere and regardless of the language barrier excel in what they are doing. Simply, they are good at learning and adapting.

In my community when a person dies as a sign of respect we have what is called a ‘haus krai’, a house or place where people go to show their respect and sympathize with the relatives of the deceased.

In that event goods and food stuff are exchanged by the different groups of mourners to cater for other mourners who attend the ‘haus krai’. There was a particular Chinese businessman who operated a retail outlet in town where he traded those typical Chinese made goods.

Upon the death notice of one of the Province’s prominent leaders he mobilized his national workers, bought a substantial amount of goods and proceeded to the‘haus krai’. His unique approach demonstrates the ability of the Chinese in localizing.

In addition, Chinese state owned entity Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) has changed the formerly isolated lives of the Rai Coast villagers. Known as ‘the largest non-ferrous resource project that China has taken on anywhere overseas’, the Company has linked Rai Coast with China by building a huge wharf to ship the nickel and new roads connecting it to the main highway.

The company has done what the PNG government has failed to do for the past 4 decades that is bringing services to the people of Rai Coast.

This outlook was expressed when local leaders and Ramu NiCo Management met in May 2009 to negotiate peace after there was a deadly clash between PNG and Chinese workers that resulted in mass damages to properties and injuries to some workers.

Both parties expressed their sympathy and disapproval of what had happened, leading to a presentation by the local community of a slotted pig to the management as a traditional sign of saying sorry and appeasing the tension.

The villagers realized the importance of the company and its investments, making them feel as part of the community was high on their agenda.

Conclusion: At the macro-level China’s bid to localize in the South Pacific region is causing paranoia. Others are watching with eagle eyes the dragons thundering movements across the region.

While at the mezzo-level China is like the concerned friend who is eager to assist wayward PNG with its economic development and change the mind set of suffering common citizens.

Whereas, at the micro-level China and the Chinese have already managed to localize and harmoniously co-exist with the locals but the ‘May mayhem 09’ has a residual potential threat effect.

The nature of Chinese aid and investments regardless of the various reasons for giving has greatly helped in the localization process. The ability of China to respect the domestic affairs of Pacific states will have a long term effect in how localization takes place at the three different levels.

Chinese aid and investments is directly proportional to localization, the more China gives the more it will be accepted as a local and a friend.

Note: The article was contributed by Bernard Yegiora, a graduate student from PNG studying at Jilin University, China majoring International Relations. For comments, contact him on email: benardyegiora@yahoo.com. This article was also published by Sunday Chronicle newspaper in Papua New Guinea.

John Momis: A Role Model Leader

John Momis: A role model leader


THIS article is the account of my personal experiences of knowing John Momis for the past two and half years in Beijing as a PNG student in China and as an intern at the Embassy of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea in Beijing.

I am aware that the timing of this publication may seem controversial given the looming election of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. It may seem obvious for one to view this article as a political tool to advance John Momis’ election campaign for the presidential election in Bougainville.

As such, many will be judgmental and skeptical about the sincerity and authenticity of this article. Therefore at the outset let me say that the views in this article are purely my own, about someone whom I felt strongly that many young Papua New Guineans should know and learn from.

I have learnt a lot by just observing and listening to him. I therefore wish to genuinely share my experience with the millions out there.

The contemporary PNG societies today are at the crossroad of leadership crisis, starting from the village meeting hall to the National Parliament in Waigani. This is evident in the recent lawlessness in both the rural villages and urban centers including the disgraceful selfish acts of individuals occupying some of the highest public offices in Waigani.

Many of these social-illnesses are due to absence of transparent and good leadership, which either directly or indirectly fueled insubordinations within and without an institution or community.

Village chiefs and elders whom few years ago usually enjoy a commanding authority in fostering social peace and harmonies are no longer enjoying it. Members of Parliament are booed at and stoned or even sidelined by their electorate or provincial subordinates.

There is a growing “who cares” and “what’s in it for me” culture. “If the big people up there are doing it, then who am I to abstain from it?” Such sentiments transpired from continuous bad leadership and systemic and systematic corruption in PNG.

Many independent observers and studies from Australia, US, EU, ADB and others have consistently trumpeted this problem in their publication; yet, Papua New Guineans seemed complacent of the status quo.

We are living in a period where role model leadership is fast disappearing, and the younger generations today are in desperation of role models to measure up to.

Without hesitation, I am humbled to mention here that H.E. Ambassador John Momis is someone, we the young people can lean upon and learn from.

Firstly allow me to clarify to the readers my relations with H.E. Ambassador Momis. I hail from Gunangi, one of the remote areas of Sinasina District in Simbu Province. Did my primary to secondary education in Simbu Province and completed a four year bachelor program in Divine Word University from 2002 – 2006.

Though I have seen pictures, heard and read a lot about John Momis, I have never met him in person until the evening of 16th September 2007 in Beijing. Even at that evening we never get acquainted to each other, because there were many Papua New Guineans and other nationalities, including members of the diplomatic community in Beijing.

We only had a brief handshake during which I introduced myself as a first year PNG students, at the Beijing Language and Culture University.

I have heard few respected people in PNG, calling John Momis as the Father of PNG Constitution and Father of Decentralization and Provincial Government System in PNG who is responsible for setting up the 19 provincial governments when he was the minister of Decentralization in 1977.

These views are also widely published by authoritative source on Bougainville and PNG such as Sean Dorney, Douglas Oliver and Edward Ted Wolfers. I also believe that these are undisputable facts held by many Papua New Guineans who have lived through and witnessed the short political history of PNG.

I am therefore very privileged to have met and known one of PNG’s and the Pacific’s renowned leader of his time and is still today, John Momis. His leadership legacy speaks for itself and those who have worked with him and have known him personally have fully grasped that.

I can only say that John Momis is a man of principle and a role model leader that the millions of young and aspiring leaders of PNG and the Pacific Island region need to learn from.

I am therefore humbled and at the same time honored to share my take on his leadership legacy for my generation and the generations to come.

I have known John Momis as a PNG student in China and as an intern at the PNG Embassy in Beijing and as a close friend over the past two and a half years. The rest of this article will explain some of the great leadership principle I have learnt from just observing and listening to him in various context over the past more than two years in China.



Despite of being well known and respected figure in national and regional politics, John Momis remains one of the most humble and very considerate people I’ve ever met. For example he would have time for any individual that comes to his attention despite of their race, gender, social status, religion, qualifications or age.

I have observed him listening attentively to simple young Papua New Guinean students who wanted to share their take on PNG’s political or economical development. The way Momis responds to these students is encouraging in such a way that usually adds insights and value onto the students.

It makes us the simple young students feel important and assured that our views are equally significant to any policy makers or development practitioners in PNG.

From many Pacific Island students who have listened to John Momis and at least engage in dialogue with John Momis, all felt elevated and valuable in their own right and to their nation.

A Fijian Civil Engineer whom we studied together here in Beijing was amazed that Ambassador Momis was able to remember his name and call him by name even though they’ve met briefly only once. He said that his country’s own Ambassador in Beijing doesn’t know his name even though he has been to their Embassy a hundred times and met him in several occasions.

Such is the value of a person who has the interest of the people at heart. Momis makes it his business to know his people and engage with them appropriately at their level, in order to add value to them and make them see themselves as equally important in the community. This is a great value that every young and aspiring Papua New Guinean leaders should learn from.

Momis is a very considerate person. He knows when to say “yes” and when to say “no” even to his very close friends. Despite of him being in the position of great authority and responsibility which demands high level of subordination, he would at most times consider his subordinates views on critical issues before reaching a consensus.

Even though he may already know the right thing or way regarding the issues at end, he never reached a decision alone. He is a great believer of concessional and consultative approach to decision making.

This is a value which I believe Momis has developed in the early days of his political career when he was the De-facto Chairman of the Constitutional Planning Committee (CPC) that is responsible in formulating PNG’s Constitution.

Momis pushed for a participatory and concessional approach and during those early days, he led the CPC into almost all the different areas of PNG either by land, sea or air, to document PNG’s Constitutions.

By doing so they are able to get collective views to come up with a Constitution that is vibrant and strong that defines PNG’s identity as an independent and sovereign state that stood proudly among the global community.

Therefore despite of being geographically rugged and ethnically diverse and dispersed PNG still remained intact as one nation amidst the increasing challenges of globalization and other development challenges.

The principle of participatory and concessional decision making is a great value that many young and aspiring PNG leaders need to learn from John Momis. By being considerate and involving everyone in the decision making, we minimize the potential for any future disagreements at the outcome of the decision reached. It also makes everyone take ownership of the outcome of the decisions and deal with it appropriately.

I am also impressed and challenged by his firm believe in God. Being an ex-priest, John Momis faith in Jesus Christ as Savior of the world and believe in upholding Christian principles is outstanding.

That is depicted in almost all the social gatherings such as Christmas dinner or independence anniversary, he hosted as PNG Ambassador to China which we would open the gathering with a word of prayer usually lead by himself.

I strongly believe that it was his firm faith in Christ Jesus that has developed all these unique and valuable leadership qualities that any Papua New Guinean can learn and emulate from.

I am truly humbled to have met John Momis and to learn these leadership qualities from him. I wish I had more time with him; however his people in Bougainville realized his qualities in such a time of leadership crisis as an asset and have called him back to Bougainville to contest the coming ABG election.

I wish John Momis all the success in his Presidential election and the people of Bougainville prosperity and success in this new decade.

Note: This article was contributed by Albert Kaupa Tobby in Beijing. It was also published by Sunday Chronicle newspaper in PNG

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

H.E. Ambassador John Momis’ Talk about China

By Albert Kaupa Tobby in Beijing

Introduction

TALK about “China’s rise” has dominated discussions among, academics, politicians, businessmen and individuals. On December 09, 2009 US media tracker, “the Global Language Monitor List” listed “the rise of China” as the most read news story of the decade.

The rise of China as an economic superpower has attracted the widest coverage since 2000, surpassing the Iraq war and 9/11 terrorist attack on US. The ranking was based upon the number of citation based upon the Internet and blogspots, including social media, as well as the top 50 000 print and electronic media sites.

While some Chinese experts say it is an attempt by the western media to tout China for their own good and trumpeting the so-called “China threat”, for Papua New Guineans, it is equally important to know and understand the Chinese discourse so that we can engage with them appropriately and constructively.

Therefore, the then PNG Ambassador to the China, H.E. Ambassador John L. Momis GCL, highlighted some very significant facts about China and how PNG can learn and benefit from having a good relation with China.

This commentary will discuss our Ambassador’s thoughts on this much talked topic of the decade (2000 – 2009). Ambassador Momis discuss four important issues regarding the rise of China which include; (i) China’s past and present, (ii), China’s development miracle (iii) peaceful rise of China (iv) counter-arguments on common anti-Chinese sentiments.

Ambassador Momis finally concluded by sharing his views on the anti-Asians sentiments that has spread out throughout Papua New Guinea in May 2009.

Ambassador Momis’ views on China is drawn from his vast experience as politician for more than 33 years and as a diplomat for the past three years representing the Government of Papua New Guinea to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing.

H.E. John Momis’ insights about China developed long before his appointment to represent the Government of PNG as Ambassador to the PRC. In 1985 when he was the Deputy Prime Minister he hosted the then visiting President of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Hu Yaobang.

This special commentary is divided into two parts. The first part discusses a brief background on the bilateral relationship between China and Papua New Guinea and Ambassador Momis’s views on China’s past struggles and their leadership determination to transform their society into the third largest economy in the World.

The second part which will be published next week Sunday will continue on Ambassador’s views on China regarding China’s development miracle, peaceful rise of China and counter-arguments on popular anti-Chinese sentiments.

Before discussing Ambassador Momis’ views on China, it is imperative that we get brief background information on the SINO-PNG relations.

Background on Sino-PNG Relations

China and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations on October 12th 1976 right after PNG got its independence from Australia in 1975, and since then the relations has been growing stronger and deeper each year.

Papua New Guinea set up its Embassy in Beijing in April 1988 and accredited a resident ambassador. His Excellency Noel Levi was the first PNG Ambassador to China (1988 – 1990), however prior to that, His Excellency the late Sir Joseph Nombri Ambassador to Tokyo, Japan was accredited to both China and South Korea.

Trade relations between China and PNG started in the 1960s, and have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China and PNG have enjoyed closer and stronger relations, and the economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries has gained momentum over the past ten years.

Today PNG is the biggest and the most important trading partner of China among the South Pacific island nations. During his visit to PNG in July 1996, Qian Jichen, then Chinese Vice Primer who is currently the Foreign Affairs Minister signed a trade agreement between the two Governments with his PNG counterpart, thus paving the way for further development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Other agreements signed between the two countries included Memorandum of Understanding on Promotion for Economic and Trade Cooperation, Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investment, Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, and Agreement on Fisheries Cooperation.

In recent years, trade between China and PNG has grown rapidly. It constitutes two-thirds of China's trade with the South Pacific island nations.

PNG's commodities exported to China mainly comprise timber and crude oil, while its main imports from China ranges from textiles, garments, light industrial products (such as footwear, suitcases, bags and toys), to machinery and electronic products. China has a big trade deficit with PNG for many years, and PNG is the only country in the South Pacific with a big trade surplus with China.

Since 1976, China has provided economic and technical assistance to PNG, through a number of projects including four complete projects, namely Sir John Guise Sports Stadium, Henganofi Rural Housing Project, Kandep Agricultural Research Center Project, Markham National High School Project, and four technical cooperation projects such as rattan weaving. So far, PNG has received 11 batches of goods and materials donated by the Chinese side.

The number of PNG students studying in China on Chinese Government Scholarship has increased over the past ten years. Today there are about 60 Papua New Guinean students studying in various universities throughout China.

As part of the Chinese Government continuous commitment towards developing human resources and enhancing international cooperation on development, China has offered many short term courses to the Public Servants in PNG over the past decades.

These training vary from Military training, to Forestry and Fisheries Management, etc. PNG is the largest recipient country of Chinese aid among the South Pacific island nations.

H.E. Ambassador John L. Momis GCL, talk about China

French leader Napoleon Bonaparte had an aphorism: "Let China sleep; when she wakes she will shake the world," said Napoleon (1769-1821). Nearly 180 years after his death, this famous aphorism (or cliché, for Sinologists/China experts) by the French military genius has fulfilled. Today we hear and see people talking about the rise of China in almost all aspect of our society.

Despite of having one of the oldest civilizations in the world, China has in the past been through many dynasties (e.g. Song, Qing, Ming dynasties including Mao and the CPC) that consistently encountered internal civil wars, warlordisms, barbarisms and terrorisms from the northern plains and even suffered constant humiliation and domination by foreign invaders.

At one-point in history, not so long ago, China was regarded as one of the poorest country in the world. However Chinese leaders never yield to all these struggles. Instead they persevered with determination to change and improve the lifestyle of their people.

After the fall of the Nationalist Kuomingtan (KMT) Government and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, under the leadership of Comrade Mao Zedong, industrialization was the key to economic growth in China, thus vast resources was thrown at heavy industry (e.g. steel production), agriculture was exploited and the service sector remained suppressed and centrally controlled. However these strategies proved futile and brought China’s economy to halt.

Then in 1978 the Communist party initiated very strategic reform under the leadership of its new leader, Deng Xiaoping. Deng Xiaoping initiated market reform to state ownership and open up the Chinese economy to international trade and investment.

The outcome of the “reform and opening up” policy under Deng Xiaoping was remarkably successful, as China rose from being economically impoverished and back-warded to being the third largest economy in the world and as scholars’ predicted will soon overtake Japan to become the second largest economy in the world to the United States.

Today China is regarded as the manufacturing hub of the world. With enormous trade surplus and inflows of foreign investment, China foreign exchange reserve has surged to almost two trillion US Dollars which made China the largest owners of US Treasury bills which effectively helped US financed its current account deficit.

Last year (2009) Beijing spent US$50 billion on what will soon become the world’s biggest high-speed train system. The railroad is expected to finish in 2020 with 16 000 miles of track whose main routes include Beijing to Shanghai and to Guangzhou.

The US$50 billion high-speed train system when completed will become the largest, fastest and most technologically sophisticated railway system in the world.

With the fallout of the global economic recession in late 2008, China is one of the very few major economies that kept growing, prompting the West to urge it to pull the world out of the worst economic crisis in seven decades.

Viewed as an important player in global politics, Beijing has committed itself to address major global issues such as the financial crisis, global warming, combating terrorism, stopping nuclear proliferation, and eradicating extreme poverty.

Beijing Farewell’s H.E. Ambassador John Momis

By Albert Kaupa Tobby in Beijing

WITHIN three years, H. E. Ambassador John Momis and his beloved wife, Madam Elizabeth Momis have touched the minds and hearts of those whom have crossed their paths in China. This is reflected in the various categories of people from different works of life who turned up for Ambassador Momis farewell dinner Sat Jan 9. It was a casual event hosted by the Ambassador and his wife to farewell Ambassadors’ close friends and colleagues. The dinner was hosted at the Ambassador’s Residence at the Taiyuan Diplomatic Compound in Beijing.

On January 9, 2010, members of the diplomatic community, friends, fellow Christian believers and students gathered at the Ambassador’s residence for H.E. Ambassador Momis’ farewell dinner. Those present were from all over the world; the Pacific islands countries, Malaysians, Australians, Europeans and Chinese. It was truly an international gathering and almost everyone present was moved by the whole event.

The members of the diplomatic community in Beijing present at the farewell dinner include; Fijian Embassy’s Counselor and his wife, Micronesian Ambassador and his wife, Tongan Ambassador, representative from the Malaysian Embassy and the staff members from the Papua New Guinean Embassy.

Long time friend and colleague Tony Vutas was also present at the dinner. Tony Vutas was a member of the House of Assembly in PNG before independence. He is also the co-founder of the Pangu Pati and a member of the PNG Constitutional Planning Committee which H. E. Ambassador Momis was the de facto chairman, who was responsible for compiling the PNG Constitution. Tony Vutas and his wife are currently residing in Beijing.

Paul Ginnivan, who is a university lecturer in Beijing and a professional editor was also present. Mr. Ginnivan who only met Ambassador Momis at the South Cathedral here in Beijing expressed deep gratitude for Ambassador Momis. Paul Ginnvan who have never met Ambassador Momis before, have become one of Ambassador’s close Christian friend here in Beijing.

The Trade attaché at the Malaysian Embassy here in Beijing also attended the meeting with his wife and their two daughters. They were joined by another Malaysian friend and business women here in Beijing.

Ambassador’s friend from the Chinese community who was present at the meeting is a Chinese Doctor Mr. Ma and his wife. Mr. Ma had visited PNG and Bougainville in early 2009. Through the influences of Ambassador Momis, Mr. Ma has developed a great passion for PNG. Another person was a prominent Chinese businessman Mr. Jason Fong. Mr. Fong has investment in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and has shown great appreciation for PNG.

The Wilkins family was also present at the meeting. Dian from Oro Province in Papua New Guinea who is married to Mr. Wilkins from England were present with their two sons Jordan and Heathen Wilkins.

Representing the Papua New Guinea students in China was Angelo Wak and Albert Tobby (writer). Both expressed deep gratitude to the Ambassador and his wife Elizabeth Momis for their tireless commitment towards helping the students in China.

The fellowship started with a Eucharist at 6:30 pm. Fr. Ezekias from India was the celebrant of the Eucharist. Fr. Ezekias was here in Beijing to study Chinese language, in the hope of doing pastoral work here in China. He met Ambassador John Momis and Madam Elizabeth Momis at the Nantang (South Cathedral) where they all attend church every Sunday. Within the short period of fellowship together, Fr. Ezekias becomes one of close friends of Ambassador Momis.

Reading from the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Ezekias reiterated the process of God becoming man and identifying with humanity through, birth, baptism and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Ezekias also stressed that the Christian community here in Beijing will be praying for H. E. Ambassador Momis. Fr. Ezekias said as Ambassador Momis was preparing for a much tougher challenge and greater responsibilities as the President of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, his fellow believers and Christian friends throughout the world, will be remembering him in their prayers for God’s grace and strength upon him. Fr. Ezekias with the Christians and everyone present prayed and wishes Ambassador Momis success in the coming Presidential Election in March this year.

The gathering started at about 6:30 pm and ended very late at about 2:20 am. after the Eucharist dinner was served. The fellowship was such a memorable one where everyone exchanged views about their impression of Ambassador John Momis and Madam Elizabeth Momis. The atmosphere in the meeting room was so compelling that attracted everyone and none of them wanted to leave. Even the small kids have such energy that they stayed up until 2 o clock in the morning.

From all those different categories’ of people present at the meeting, it really depicts that Ambassador John Momis has a very wide network and his influences have impacted people from all works of life. His outstanding leadership quality and personality has inspired people from all nationalities, religion, and races.

News about his departure has also flowed through the corridors of the Great Hall of the People at Tiananmen in Beijing. Several high profile Chinese Government officials have hosted urgent meetings with Ambassador Momis in the last two weeks to farewell him.

On December 30th 2009, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi, just before leaving Beijing for his African tour, had a farewell meeting with Ambassador Momis. Minister Yang Jiechi has expressed great satisfaction for the work done by Ambassador Momis in promoting the bilateral relations between China and PNG. Mr. Yang said that the SINO-PNG relations has grown stronger and deeper over the years and congratulated Ambassador Momis for his great contributions. Minister Yang extends a personal invitation to Ambassador Momis and his family to visit China again anytime in the future.

Vice Minister Yi Xiaozhun of the Ministry of Commerce, has also called an urgent meeting with Ambassador John Momis in that same week. Vice Minister Yi Xiaozhun expressed the same sentiments as the Foreign Affairs Minister. Both leaders gestures portrayed the Chinese Government confidence and trust in Ambassador Momis’ leadership.

Other senior Government Officials of the People’s Republic of China that met and farewell Ambassador Momis include Director General of North America and Oceania Affairs, Mr. Zheng Zeguang. Mr. Zeguangs’ Department is responsible for all China’s bilateral relations with countries in the North America and Oceania region. It is also responsible for translation and interpretation of important diplomatic functions, documents and instruments in relevant language. Mr. Zeguang wishes Ambassador John L. Momis all the success in his election campaign for the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Director of Agriculture Department also met with Ambassador Momis to farewell him. All these took place within the past two weeks and such overwhelming gestures from senior Chinese Government officials is a significant indication of the Chinese Government confidences and trust in Ambassador Momis’ leadership. He has gained insurmountable respect from the business community, diplomatic community and government circles in Beijing.

Ambassador Momis has set an unprecedented benchmark in our bilateral relations with China, which is clearly shown by the recognition and appreciation the Chinese Government has given to him. His departure is also a great loss to the Pacific Community here in Beijing. He is widely respected among the Pacific Island Community here in Beijing, majority of whom are young and as such would turn to him from time to time for advice and directions. His departure will leave a vacuum in the Pacific Island diplomatic circles in Beijing.

Ambassador Momis and his wife Madam Elizabeth Momis left Beijing on Wednesday 13th January, 2010. Ambassador resigned from his diplomatic post as the Head of Mission of the Papua New Guinea Embassy in Beijing, China to contest the 2010 Autonomous Bougainville Election.

The common message that was repeated by many of his diplomatic colleagues, friends and Chinese government officials is that, “China will lose when Ambassador John Momis leaves Beijing but Bougainville will gain.” Such wide international support and recognition he has received over the past years will be of great asset to the people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.

As Tony Vutas recalled, Ambassador John Lawrence Momis, the de factor Chairman of the Constitutional Planning Committee of Papua New Guinea, who produced not just a great legal document but also a great moral document, a Constitution which is currently being implemented in many different ways today. His return to the political sphere will bring deep insights and directions as to how the country is to run. Specifically to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, who is at the threshold of constitutional formulation and decision-making, Ambassador Momis brings with him the complete package of governance the Bougainville people needed at the moment

Papua New Guinean’s in China, including the Pacific Island community in Beijing wishes Ambassador John Lawrence Momis all the success in the 2010 Autonomous Bougainville Presidential Election.

China led developing countries in Copenhagen climate meeting.

By Mathew Yakai

THIS is the second part of the series of articles about China’s engagement at the Copenhagen climate change conference Dec 2009 led by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

The Copenhagen conference finally produced major and positive outcomes after complicated and tortuous negotiations. China played a major role.

Premier Wen expressed full understanding of the pressure facing the host, Denmark. He attributed various divisions to four focal issues, namely, a basic text, financial support, the long-term target and MRV (measurable, reportable and verifiable).

He suggested that pragmatic efforts be made in accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" to build on the two draft texts presented by the chairs of the two Ad hoc Working Groups, lock up the consensus already achieved and leave the divisive elements to future deliberations.

He said this might be the only viable way, and a resolution thus reached could represent an outcome of the conference.

Prime Minister Rasmussen of Denmark thanked Premier Wen for his constructive proposal. He said if all other leaders could work as vigorously as the Chinese Premier, the conference would achieve success.

Premier Wen then met UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Ban was also gravely concerned about the stalled process and regarded a conference without any gains as unacceptable.

Premier Wen pointed out that it was unrealistic for the nearly 200 countries to patch up their wide differences in less than two days. The Chinese people and people across the globe all looked forward to a successful conference.

The most important thing at the moment was to build consensus quickly. The conference could opt for a political document that reflected the consensus of all parties aimed at affirming the political will, recognizing the existing achievements, and sending a message of confidence and hope to the world.

Premier Wen stressed that the drafting process and consultations must be open and transparent. The opinions of all parties must be duly solicited and the concerns of the developing countries in particular must be taken seriously. He expressed the hope that the United Nations would play an important role in this process. Ban nodded, absorbed in thought.

By now, Premier Wen had explained to both the host and the United Nations the overall considerations and operational recommendations of the Chinese government concerning the outcome of the conference. What happened later proved that Premier Wen's suggestions were forward-looking and workable.

At 11:00 that day, Premier Wen headed to the hotel where Brazilian President Lula da Silva stayed. President Lula had proposed a working breakfast among the leaders of BASIC countries, but that was cancelled due to technical difficulties with the Indian and South African leaders.

When Premier Wen learned this, he asked for a bilateral meeting with President Lula. The two old friends shook hands, hugged each other and started a cordial conversation.

They confirmed the broad common understanding between the two countries on climate change, and pledged to stand together with other developing countries to uphold shared interests while stepping up consultation and coordination with all relevant parties in order to play a positive role.

At noon, Premier Wen rushed back to the Radisson Hotel for a group meeting with President Nasheed of the Maldives and Prime Minister Thomas of Grenada representing small island developing states, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia representing Africa, Prime Minister Hasina of Bangladesh representing the least developed countries (LDCs), and the Sudanese presidential assistant Nafie Ali Nafie representing the Group of 77.

As a developing country, China covered a historical journey similar to those of African countries, small island states and LDCs. Consequently, China and these countries felt close to each other and shared the same yearning for justice and fairness. The leaders sat in a circle and had a heart-to-heart talk.

Financial support was the top concern to these countries. A delegate from a major power had said earlier that money would not be given to China. In response to this remark, Premier Wen said that China had been calling on the developed countries to make good on their financial pledges, but China would never compete with other developing countries for even a single cent of financial support.

China would continue to provide assistance to LDCs both bilaterally and within the framework of the South-South cooperation, including material and capacity-building support for combating climate change.

Premier Wen had deep sympathies for small island states over their vulnerable ecosystems and fully understood their special requests for curbing global temperature rise.

He explained in great detail China's mitigation efforts and what China expected from the Copenhagen negotiations. As a demonstration of sincerity, Premier Wen expressed China's readiness to accommodate the concerns of the small island states on limiting global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

Premier Wen also pledged China's commitment to uphold the rights and interests of the whole developing world at the conference.

Premier Wen then invited the leaders to lunch, where they continued discussion. Their meeting, which lasted over two hours, was the longest Premier Wen had in Copenhagen.

The other leaders found Premier Wen's remarks fair and reasonable. They recognized the tremendous efforts China had made to tackle climate change and dismissed the accusations made by the developed countries as misplaced.

They held that China, like other developing countries, should not have its development space compromised in the course of addressing climate change. And they called on the developing countries to strengthen consultations and solidarity.

The UK, Germany and Japan, all developed countries, have mature technologies for energy conservation, environment protection and green economy. They want to play a leadership role in promoting international cooperation on climate change, but due to an inadequate understanding of the national conditions of developing countries, they have raised some unrealistic and unfair demands.

On the afternoon of Dec 17th 2009, Premier Wen had separate meetings with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and discussed with them about relevant issues in a patient and thoughtful way.

Premier Wen pointed out that at this critical juncture, all parties should stop finger pointing. Still less should they engage in bargaining, as this would only waste time.

All parties should observe the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", bear in mind the broader interests, quickly build consensus and shelve disputes, and work together for a successful outcome.

Premier Wen stressed the fact that China's voluntary mitigation target had no strings attached and was not pegged to the emissions reduction target of any other country. It was not negotiable as well.

Premier Wen said China would honor its words with action and would spare no effort to meet or even exceed the target, as this was in the interest of the Chinese people and people around the world.

China would like to carry out consultations and cooperation on increasing the transparency of its voluntary mitigation actions and steer its efforts towards holding the global temperature rise within 2 degrees Celsius. This demonstrated China's utmost sincerity.

Premier Wen emphasized that the developing countries had the prime task of eradicating poverty and growing economy, but this should not be done along the old path of industrialization followed by developed countries and at the expense of resources and the environment.

Developed countries should appreciate and support this and honor their commitments on financial and technological assistance. Developing and developed countries should work closely together to bring about the best result possible out of the conference.

Despite differences over certain issues, all the talks were held in a frank and in-depth manner, because this was the only way to increase mutual understanding and expand common ground.

The meetings all went longer than originally planned. After seeing off Prime Minister Brown, Premier Wen apologized to the waiting German Chancellor Merkel, "Madam Chancellor, sorry to have kept you so long."

The chancellor replied with humor: When Prime Minister Brown bumped into her on his way out, he said exactly the same thing. People in the room burst into laughter.

As soon as the meetings came to a close, Premier Wen asked Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei to hold a press conference to give a detailed briefing on his meetings with various leaders and explain on what issues China had to stick to its position and on what other issues China would be ready to show flexibility.

More than 200 Chinese and foreign journalists attended the press conference and they swiftly reported to the world China's latest position and its communications with other parties. This was a vivid demonstration of China's commitment to openness and transparency.

Note: The column thanked Zhao Cheng and Tian Fan (Xinhua News Agency and Wei Dongze (People’s Daily) for their contribution. Part three of the series will be published next Sunday. For comments, contact the writer on m_yakai@hotmail.com or SMS 71489901

China contributed immensely to Copenhagen

By Mathew Yakai

IN our usual email forum, a Papua New Guinea Student at Jilin University in China, Bernard Singu Yegiora made a remarkable comment regarding climate change and China’s engagement. I would like to adopt below.

“On the issue of climate change, bear in mind that China is a developing country, their foreign policy is centered on economic development. The whole issue of climate change is a constraint to their bid in developing. The reason behind developed countries proposing 80% can be explained using the 'kick the ladder effect'.

While our ancestors were roaming the bush of New Guinea in their traditional attire, the west or now known as the developed countries began their process of industrialization, after the industrial revolution.

They have now reached the roof top and have kicked the ladder making it difficult for countries like China and PNG to climb the ladder, or simply develop by industrializing. As such, modern scholars have called this global apartheid, and that is why China is vetoing for a 50% reduction in global emissions.

The blame for the damages done to the earth should be pointed at developed countries and the advent of the industrial revolution, which has dramatically changed history.

China is acting in a realist fashion but the dilemma is who should we blame for this pending global catastrophe which started in the 18th century? It will be very difficult to come up with a global consensus.”

Nevertheless, China is playing a major role, leading the developing countries. The issue of climate is a global concern. As a leading developing country with 1.3 billion people to feed, China is taking the leadership role in addressing the climate issue.

In the series of articles, this column will publish Chinas’ role, lead by Premier Wen Jiabao at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.

On 19 December 2009, the Copenhagen climate change conference finally produced major and positive outcomes after complicated and tortuous negotiations.

The Copenhagen Accord issued at the conference firmly upheld the basic framework and principles established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, further clarified the due obligations and actions of the developed and developing countries respectively according to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", and reflected international consensus regarding the long-term goal for addressing climate change, financing, technology, transparency of actions and other issues.

From 16 to 18 December, in the nearly 60 hours Premier Wen Jiabao spent in Copenhagen, he held intensive talks and consultations with other leaders to drive the negotiation process forward. The traveling press corps with the Premier witnessed the roller-coaster, nail-biting negotiations at Copenhagen.

But more importantly, the press experienced the sincerity, confidence, resolve and effective efforts Premier Wen brought to Copenhagen, which fully demonstrated China's image as a responsible big country dedicated to development and cooperation.

In his important speech at the high-level segment of the conference, Premier Wen reiterated the consistent position of the Chinese government. He called on all sides to build consensus and strengthen cooperation to advance the historical process of combating climate change.

Confronted by the complicated situation in and outside the Bella Center, Premier Wen was undeterred. With the strongest political will and patience, he shuttled between participating leaders and engaged them in dialogue and consultations.

At the critical moment when the negotiations faced the risk of a breakdown, he personally talked to various parties and helped the conference reach the final accord with his painstaking and thoughtful efforts.

History will remember the important contribution of the Chinese government to the success of the Copenhagen conference.

"He who is cautious may seem timid in the beginning, but his mettle will shine through in the end." Always well prepared, Premier Wen Jiabao thought carefully on how to ensure a successful conference before leaving for Copenhagen.


The argument between developing and developed countries on global warming has grown ever more heated in recent years. As the largest developing nation, China has made enormous and effective efforts to conserve energy and control emissions.

On 26 November last year, the Chinese government announced the target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 40-45 percent from the 2005 level by 2020.

The announcement was widely applauded by the international community. It was also announced on that day that Premier Wen Jiabao would attend the Copenhagen conference.

After the opening of the conference on 7 December, Copenhagen became a stage of intense wrangling between national governments, interest groups, NGOs and research institutes.

But the unending arguments, talks and negotiations never seemed to have gotten very far and an enormous gulf remained between divergent positions. The clock was ticking, and a pervasive sense of pessimism and despair began to fill the conference center.

At 15:00 on the afternoon of 16 December, the plane carrying Premier Wen and the Chinese delegation took off from Beijing and started the journey to Copenhagen.

"It is a huge task to attend the conference on behalf of the Chinese government. I am deeply aware of the heavy responsibility upon me," Premier Wen said to the traveling press corps on board the plane.

"On my way to the airport, I thought of two ancient sayings. One is 'He who is cautious may seem timid in the beginning, but his mettle will shine through in the end', and the other is 'Thorough planning at the outset will serve one well in his ensuing endeavors'. In other words, if you think carefully as you embark on a mission, you will be able to act with courage and resolve."

In fact, the premier's journey to Copenhagen had started well before this day. In the run-up to the conference, he visited the China Meteorological Administration and had a number of telephone conversations with foreign leaders.


On 27-28 November, representatives of the BASIC countries, i.e. China, India, Brazil and South Africa, and Sudan as the chair of the Group of 77 held consultations in Beijing. Premier Wen met with the participating environment ministers or their representatives.

From 8 December onwards, as national delegations were engaged in tough negotiations in Copenhagen, Premier Wen talked by phone with the UN Secretary-General and the leaders of Britain, Germany, India, Brazil, South Africa, Denmark and Ethiopia. They had frank and in-depth conversations on some major issues concerning the conference.

On 11 December, Premier Wen made a visit to the China Meteorological Administration and convened a discussion with experts on climate change. During the meeting, he called for resolute and strong measures to meet the government's target for controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

Premier Wen had also followed closely developments at the Copenhagen conference after its opening. Soon after his plane took off from Beijing, he asked the press corps to come to the front cabin and shared his thoughts very frankly.

It was apparent that Premier Wen had already carefully thought about the complicated situation awaiting him. He said, "I am confident that with so many leaders converging on Copenhagen, the conference will be a fruitful one. But whatever may happen in Copenhagen, China will not change its action plan. Our voluntary mitigation target is non-negotiable and our determination to meet it will not waver," he told the press.

After this mid-air briefing, Premier Wen called a meeting of the accompanying ministers to analyze the position of various parties. Then, alone in his cabin, the premier looked out at the sea of clouds outside the plane, staring intensely, deep in thought.

It was not a light-hearted mission, he knew. So many things needed to be considered before the conference could be brought to a fruitful conclusion.

At 16:45 Beijing time, Premier Wen's plane touched down at Copenhagen airport. Snow was falling heavily and chill wind was howling: not all was quiet on this wintry evening in Copenhagen.


Everyone in the Chinese delegation was tired after a 10-hour flight that had crossed seven time zones and over 7,000 kilometers, but Premier Wen still decided to go straight to the Chinese embassy, where he would hear briefings on the latest developments and plan next steps. Over one hour had passed before he finally left the embassy and checked in at the Radisson Hotel.

"The most important thing is to build consensus quickly." - Confronted by a complicated situation, Premier Wen Jiabao worked with sincerity, resolve and confidence to mediate, communicate, coordinate, bridge differences and expand common ground.

At 6:00 on 17th, Premier Wen went to breakfast. He was briefed at the breakfast table. As the negotiations in Copenhagen involved 192 countries, the circumstances were changing every minute.

At 8:30, Premier Wen walked into the meeting room, brimming with energy and ready for a whole day of intense meetings. The first leader he met was Prime Minister Rasmussen of the host country Denmark.

At the outset, Premier Wen commended Denmark for its hard work in the run-up to the conference and pledged China's full support to the host in bringing about a successful outcome.

The Danish Prime Minister was somewhat relieved to hear these words. He talked about the deep rift among parties and the absence of a text that could serve as a basis for consultations. He was visibly worried about the negotiation process.

Note: The column thanked Zhao Cheng and Tian Fan (Xinhua News Agency and Wei Dongze (People’s Daily) for their contribution. Part two of the series will be published next Sunday. For comments, contact the writer on m_yakai@hotmail.com or SMS 71489901

Sunday, September 20, 2009

PNG & China: Old friends with new Cooperation

This article was published by Sunday Chronicle newspapers Sunday sept 20, 2009 under "Asia Pacfic Perspective: China +" column
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By Mathew Yakai

TODAY, many people think that Chinese are new comers to PNG. That is not true.

Historical evidence with academic researches proves that Chinese have been in PNG even before colonization started.

Chinese traders have visited New Guinea (PNG and West Papua) and hunted Birds of Paradise for their trade. But these early Chinese arrivals did not stay for long and did not establish permanent settlement.

These happened before the Portuguese and Spanish navigators sailed the South Pacific and spotted New Guinea.

Spanish explorer Don Jorge de Meneses accidentally saw New Guinea and named it “Papua” in 1526-27 after the Chinese set foot.

After Germany colonized the northeastern part of New Guinea Island in 1884, it entrusted Neuguinea Kompagnie with the administration and economic development of the New Guinea area.

The company started plantations for tobacco and copra in mainland New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago by recruiting Chinese indentured laborers, mostly from Singapore and Sumatra living under harsh working conditions.

In 1895, 28 percent of those laborers died and were buried in mainland New Guinea. Most of these Chinese laborers left for their homeland after the indentured period,

Beginning in 1898 when the German colonial government took over the administration from Neuguinea Kompagnie, Chinese free immigration was promoted instead of indentured labor.

Chinese workers were engaged as carpenters, ship builders, engineers, tailors, shopkeepers and managers of plantations.

Some of them began to settle and establish communities in towns, such as Rabaul, Kokopo, Kavieng, Lae and Madang.

Rabaul, which became the capital of German New Guinea in 1910, received an especially large number of Chinese settlers estimated at 200, and grew to 1,427 in 1913.

In Rabaul and Lae, Chinese immigrants established Chinatowns where the residence of Chinese was restricted to certain areas.

During this period, Chinese immigrated not only from Singapore and Sumatra, but also from Hong Kong and mainland China.

Most of the early Chinese immigrants were unmarried men, and some of them married local women. The children of mixed blood Chinese were brought up in the Chinese community and educated as Chinese.

In 1898 when free migration was encouraged by Germans, second waves of Chinese came with the intention to settle.

Today they have third generation children living in PNG playing major roles in PNG’s development, both business and politics.

In the late 70s and early 80’s, another wave of Chinese arrived. These include Malay-Chinese, Indo-Chinese etc and not necessarily from the Mainland China. They were mostly driven by business motives.

This is an example of global trend whereby migration of skilled workers, capitals and goods invade sovereign states to cater for complementarity economies.

Under the international and regional norms and values, countries do accept the flow of skilled labors, allow foreign investments and trade with other countries in compliance with their domestic laws.

Given this inevitable geopolitical shift and economic dependency, the relevance of trade and commerce compels nations to cater for the flow of capitals, labor and investments. China and PNG are no exceptions in this complex to enable them survive in the global economic order. Thus, Chinese are old friends to PNG.

Today, new waves of highly skilled technical Chinese workers enter PNG, for specific Projects. Ramu NiCo Project is a good example. These Chinese engineers are working in Basamuk Refinery site and Kurumbukari Mine site.

This is an obvious trend of new cooperation between PNG and China on a win-win situation.

The first groups of Chinese are for the construction phase which is expected to be completed this year with the next group of engineers joining their colleagues for the commissioning of the Project.

Among other things, language is a challenge. To address that, the Company is engaging with the Divine Word University in Madang to provide language and culture training to the expatriate employees.

In Beijing, most engineers are now studying English language in preparation for their deployment. Luzheng Jie and Muxinying are two young engineers specialized in Metallurgy. Both speak good English.

“I am excited to go to PNG. If I love PNG and its people then I can make good friends with the country,” Muxinying said

Their work in the Ramu NiCo Project will help them depart to the local staff the knowledge that is new to PNG.

Wang Jingfeng and his colleague Meng Zhaosong who are also engineers with good command of English prepare to work with their PNG counterparts soon.

In his nation wide speech through NBC and Kundu Service TV June 1, Prime Minister Sir Somare who initiated this investment and invited Ramu NiCo Project appealed to the people that PNG can learn a lot of skills from the Chinese engineers.

National staff who now work with their Chinese counterparts have acquired the technical skills of various natures.

Sir Somare also said that foreign investment contributes huge revenue in tax to PNG government.

The Ramu NiCo world class Project will see 1.37 billion USD invested over a period of 20 years with 8 to 10 per cent GDP growth, K10 mil in spin-off business opportunities 1,300 jobs will be created and K8.3 mil will be spent on local community services which will create another 1,500 jobs for PNG nationals, according to the Ramu NiCo 2006-2008 Sustainability Report.

At the regional level, PNG remains the largest trading partner with China compared with other Pacific island countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

During his last visit to Beijing in April 2009, Sir Michael told his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, “China is not only a big and growing consumer market for PNG products, it is also a genuine development partner.”

The total trade volume between PNG and China was around K700 million in 2007. PNG exports to China were around K470 million and imports were around K230 million.

PNG enjoys a trade surplus of around K240 million with China,” Sir Michael said

PNG’s exports to China constitutes mainly of crude oil, logs and timber products, agriculture products such as palm oil, rubber, vanilla and coffee, marine products, copper and gold.

PNG’s imports from China consist of rice, machinery, mechanical and electrical appliances, textiles, iron and steel products, pharmaceutical products, plastic products, footwear, fertilizers, tools and household goods.

The two economies are complementary. That is, PNG has what China does not have and China has what PNG does not have. This will encourage and strengthen the two countries economic relationships for a win-win- situation.

The two old friends, China and PNG do stand to benefit in the long run in this new cooperation given the interdependence world they live today.

Old friends do share many commonalities and the same passion and desire in life. China and PNG are no exception today as their old friendship bondage binds them for common goals through the current cooperation.

Note: This article was first published by “UPDATER” Ramu Nickel Projects newsletter. For comments contact m_yakai@hotmail.com or SMS 71489901

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Independent but dependent: PNG 34 years on.

This commentary was published by Sunday Chronicle newspaper Sunday September 20, 2009 under 'Letter from China" column.
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By Gelab Piak

WEDNESDAY September 16, 2009, marked the 34th year of independence. We, as Papua New Guineans are proud of our nation but on the other hand, are troubled by the torturing thought. What really did we celebrate about?

We maybe celebrating our freedom, or independence. Both are right. However, what is freedom. Freedom is the power to express one’s thoughts, action, words and rights without objection or intimidation. Freedom is having no objection to your rights, unless they violate the law of the land.

Last month, Metropolitan Superintendent Fed Yakasa, in stopping the “infamous” NGO political march said that the actions of the police were to protect the people’s Rights.

First, what Rights is the police protecting, when in fact, contradictorily, they are depriving the people’s Rights and Freedoms. The people have the Right, under the law to expression of Freedoms.

Secondly, People have the right to services and the duly elected Government has the obligation to provide services to the people. When the Government doesn’t do what it is obliged to do, then the civil society stands up.

The vibrancy of any democracy depends on the freedoms and the liberation of its civil society to exercise its rights. When the civil society’s freedoms are suppressed, a nation’s democracy is under threat.

The opposition has on several occasions cried foul about Parliamentary democracy not being exercised. Are these tell-signs of suppression and oppression, and at the highest level?
Thirdly, what is Independence? Independence simply means being Independent. Independent and Independence are two big words. So what is it like to be independent?

Being independent is being able to fend, provide for oneself, and meet one’s own needs. Put it that way, it is very hard to see the PNG Government fending, providing or meet the needs of its people, now or in the future.

There is a great need for policy makers to draft effective medium term policies. Malaysia and Venezuela are good examples of countries that have been transformed through short, effective medium term policies.

Long term policies and plans such as 40 year plans, may not be effective, may not realize and maybe thrown out by future Government, that may not understand the need to make such policies.

Big Projects: An illusive idea.

Our future mustn’t depend on “big projects”. The idea of ‘big projects’ is an illusive one that is luring landowners to give away their land without proper consultations with other villagers and community members.

‘Big projects’ are creating a lot of problems in our Melanesian society of communality, brotherhood and peace and harmony. ‘Big projects’ are often rushed and no proper social mapping is done, no proper assessment for environmental damages is done, landowners form factions as self-interest eats away at the morals of society, corruption becomes rampant in the Government, and unwise decision are made.

It has also created a mentality in this contemporary society where villages wait for big projects such as oil, gas or mining and do not take initiatives to develop themselves with small projects that are community orientated like small holder plantation estates (coffee, cocoa, copra, etc) or sawmills. Overall, once the projects fail, we, as a nation, tend to lose millions or even billions of Kina.

We need to look at ways of becoming self-reliant, with a Government that is the main services and goods provider. Thus we can say that we are independent, because by then we have a government that fends, provides and meets its people’s needs.

A sad fact is that the Australian Government, through AusAid, is more popular in rural areas than the PNG Government. This paints a picture of a Government that is not able to provide and meet its people’s needs so other Governments have stepped in.

Does that mean we are dependent? Yes, it does, as we are dependent on overseas aid. We must, as our Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare always says, be an export orientated economy or nation. Not an exporter of raw materials and vast natural resources, but an exporter of finished products.

But that will only come about if there is Government leadership, and there must be Government leadership. A good example is Japan. Japan today is the floating factory of the world because by Government leadership and a bold move towards industrialization, only now known as the industrial revolution.

The Government must lead by investing in downstream processing. The government must build factories in partnerships with companies to produce locally that create more jobs, boost the economy, increase our GDP and greatly reduce our imports.

Exporting and producing locally maybe deemed as a far cry or something that happens in the future, but for it to eventuate in the future, we must start now. PNG should start producing small products such as peanut butter, coffee jam, copper wires, etc., and then we can look at bigger products and projects like partnering with auto giants Toyota or Nissan to produce cars and trucks locally.

We can then become a cheaper option for our close neighbors when they want to import cars as these cars will be genuine Toyota or Nissan made products.

The Government must also enact tariff laws for certain period of time to help local products gain popularity among consumers. This type of Government leadership is lacking in our country and that is demonstrated by the fact that many of our exports are raw materials and do have a higher value thus the returns are mere peanuts to what is made and earned by other countries out of our resources, that are later sold back to us as finished products. Until then are we really independent!

Infrastructure, Education and Heath: The Secrets to Prosperity.

The secret to a nation’s prosperity is its infrastructure, education and health. The Government of PNG needs to seriously consider the state of its infrastructure such as bridges, roads, airstrips, government hospitals, schools and communications infrastructure.
Bad state of infrastructure is a bottle neck to the economy. The PNG economy while enjoying growth over the years, is struggling and the tell-signs are evident.

Exports of products such as coffee, cocoa, copra, and rubber may drop if road conditions are not improved and more farmers can not have easy access to markets. This will have much greater impact on the smaller farmers who grow cabbages, tomatoes, ginger, and other crops for sale at local markets and also markets outside their province.

The state of the Okuk Highway is also costing trucking companies thousands of Kina. With the deteriorating road conditions pot holes form and becomes every Truck driver’s nightmare.
If they avoid them, they risk the chance of bumping into an oncoming vehicle, and, if they go through them, it wears out the truck’s tyres and other parts under the trucks. Thus is a call for the Government to invest in infrastructure.

Investing heavily in infrastructure will not only improve the economy but also provide jobs. Road condition must be fixed and maintained to acceptable standards where they are in a useable and working state. Roads must be built to villages far out in remote areas which are in isolation. Using these roads the people can then access markets to sell their produce or other services provided in the towns.

Bridges that have broken down due to lack of maintenance must be fixed, so that people can have access once more, and may revive agriculture and farming in the ‘cut off’ areas.
An educated nation is a healthy nation. Education must reach all the rural areas. Schools that have shut down must be reopened, and teachers must be sent there.

The Government has to invest in Education by building schools in both town and rural areas, and must pay teachers properly so they are happy to go to rural areas and teach, and they must have good houses so that it boosts their moral.

With an educated populace a nation will progress, as most of its citizens will be in a position to understand the problems facing their country or the economics of their country with a competitive work force.

Today, PNG’s workforce is not that effective, in the sense that there is no competition and workers are not competing for jobs. What happens, and is happening now, is that the current work force is aging and there isn’t a younger generation to fill the gap created.

The education of the youths must become a priority for the Government. It must focus on equipping its people with knowledge, as the present world is a world where technology rules and a young, striving nation like PNG must equip its people with knowledge so that they understand the technology and use it for the benefit of their nation.

A meaningful and effective start would be investing in Vocational training education. PNG must start training its next generation of welders, carpenters, plumbers, and mechanics. These people are equal contributors to the immediate building of the nation.

The Government should provide scholarships to Vocational Training Schools. It is again these very people who will be involved in the infrastructure building and building of huge investments such as factories and hotels in this nation.

We need not bring other people from outside; that happens when a nation forgets about building its own workforce through investing in its peoples Education. Thus the nation is not healthy.

Healthy citizens contribute meaningfully to the building of a prosperous nation. When a nation has a healthy workforce, production is said to double its normal rate.

The recent outbreak of cholera shows clearly the concern our Government has for the health of its people. Little that is, and that’s demonstrated by its snail-paced response to the recent cholera outbreak. Not only had that, but the lack of health services also contributed to the deaths that have occurred in the affected areas; as some of the deceases are treatable.

Cholera was a time-bomb waiting to happen, as many rural areas do not have aid posts or the aid posts have been run-down and shut for many years now.

Even in towns, the standard of healthcare provided by the Government is no where near any standard at all. Port Moresby General Hospital is no exception with rotting wood, ill-equipped and lowly funded. The hospital cannot cater for Port Moresby residents.
Nurses and doctors must have good housing and transport must not be a problem to hospitals, which need to transport patients or staff.

Providing a better healthcare system will ensure a brighter future for Papua New Guineans and a more productive workforce, resulting in a growing, demanding economy, thus a prosperous nation looms in the making.

A challenge for everyone

Members of Parliament really need to stop their corrupt practices and have a true nationalist feeling that drives them towards nation building. Nation building is not an overnight job. It takes many people, in fact a whole nation, many years, and many hearts.

One pure heart can not turn the many unclean hearts. It has to take courage for everyone to change, and if the Politicians are not serious about building PNG, then who else?

No one may take the courage to build our nation, as you politicians are the top leaders, PNG is looking at you, and this Independence, PNG heard what you said.

Together, let’s build a nation in PNG, so that we can have something to celebrate about.

Note: Send comments to Mathew Yakai: m_yakai@hotmail.com or SMS 71489901

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Chinese have a history to be judged

This commentary was published on Sept 13, 2009 by Sunday Chronicle newspaper in PNG under "Asia Pacific Perspective: China +" column.
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By Albert Tobby Kaupa

I MAY sound pro-Chinese and anti-western or whatever you want to call me, but the truth is I am neither of both.

What I am doing is basically turning every stones that need to be turned and help some of us, who have studied history, accounting, economics, politics and science from western published textbooks to think outside the traditional framework of thoughts.

We were not given the options to choose which schools of thought or ideas we wanted to choose. A good example is, Chinese don't have the history to be judged at the moment, which is grossly (WRONG!) western heresy.

China has more than 2000 years of civilization and one of the oldest in human civilization (U.S. and Australia less than 300 years).

We are the product of our history. Even the world as it is today is a product of the past. Without proper understanding of historical underpinnings that shape our present society, we cannot navigate the course of our future.

We need to really grasp the full knowledge of the past and present dynamics to make an informed decision for the future.

Please let me make myself clear. I am not saying we trade our national interest and sovereignty for China's aid. I believe this is the last thing all responsible citizens of PNG wanted to do.

I think I am giving some of you the opportunity to see development history under western hegemony that shape the world as it is today. I am not afraid to criticize any nations even China where I pay special respect.

However I don't want to make a baseless criticism, I rather criticize with substance and facts.

Ramu nickel contract was signed in the year when socio-political and economic climate in Papua New Guinea was very fragile.

Prof. Allan Patience and other Australian academics, businessmen and politicians openly proclaimed that PNG is at the brink of becoming a failed state. It was not a conducive environment for large investment at that period.

Somare-Polyo governments' attempt to secure western mining companies in Australia and other western nations failed ... PNG was in desperate need to secure a mining contract.

MCC despite the huge business and economic risk involved took up the challenge. China has faith in PNG when Australia and its allies prophesied doomsday on PNG.

Today when PNG political climate is steady and business environment is improving, Australia and its allies again are accusing Chinese of substandard mining practices and other illegal practices.

I have heard many rumors mainly from the print media about illegal miners and substandard mining practices in PNG.

However, I received a totally different story from Papua New Guinean engineers and project officers working on the mine site. This made me question the authencity of our print medium especially when one is owned by Australians.

It is clearly understood that our state institutions such as Department of Labor and Foreign Affairs & Immigration failure to hold the end of their deals resulted in all the fiasco.

Our government did not hold the end of their deals. Chinese are innocent genuine businessmen. I would really appreciate if someone has had first hand experience to educate me on this.

If there is any lessons that we (PNG) and many other developing nations have learnt from the past then it is nothing more than resisting western hegemony.

See, the development inequality and geopolitical divide between the west and east, north and south, developed and is both developing rich and poor nations.

Have we not learnt something yet? What lessons are we waiting to learn from the past?

The evidence is overwhelming and honestly I am surprised that we are still seeking for lessons to learn. I don't want PNG to keep on walking in this path of dependency syndrome which we've followed since independence.

It’s time for us to break free and stand on our own feet. Let’s stretch out our antennas into the radio-wave of development and opportunity and try as much as possible to maximize our benefits and minimize our loss.

If you have been listening carefully to the radio-wave of development today, China is the dominant frequency.

The World economies are tuning into Chinese frequency. Let’s not just beat the air with words and get down to the reality and substance.

The rise of China actually provides alternative development path not only to the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC (Kinsasha not Congo Brazaville) but to all the Least Developing Country (LCD), PNG included.

Western powers were in DRC since the 17th centuries but until today the 4th largest country in Africa and largest French speaking African country with a population of more than 66 million has been suffering from poverty, chronic diseases, civil war, instability and war lords ruling different parts of the country.

Without going into detailed history, all the instability, civil unrest and war that throw the country into poverty and underdevelopment was purely due to corrupt IMF and World Banks policies in the region.

Western Multinational Corporations (MLC) lead by US based Company are solely responsible for these entire ordeal because of their insatiable thirst for mineral resources.

Western Developers were in the continent of Africa for more than 100 years but why these African nations are not developing as the western countries.

History has proven that we cannot trust the western countries and their so called development package.

China’s presence in the African Continent started only about 50 years ago. Today China has formal diplomatic relations with 44 countries of the African Nations.

Starting in 2002 when Angola turned away from IMF loan for Chinese Aid, it has turned a new wave of diplomacy and trade relations between Sino-African nations.

Angola finally rests from continuous Civil War and instability and it’s progressing on a new development path. It is no surprise the country who shares the same land border with Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has finally saw the way forward.


At the dawn of 2009, people in the Congo are still dying at a rate of an estimated 45,000 per month and already 2,700,000 people have died since 2004.

This death toll is due to widespread disease and famine. Reports indicate that almost half of the individuals killed are children under the age of 5.

The aftermath of the war has truly gutted the country. This death rate has been prevalent since efforts at rebuilding the nation began in 2004.

The prevalence of Western dominance just loath their natural resources and leave them to die alone in desolation.

They have at last had a little bit of hope with the aid from China.

Historical and geographical context might be different but the socio-political and economic dynamics are the same in PNG.

Even though Chinese were the first foreigners to set foot on the coast of the island of New Guinea (16th Century, Chinese Merchant ships anchored at the coast of New Guinea in search of Bird of Paradise plumes), they have no intention of extending their territorial boundary or hegemony.

They were business men doing business with New Guineans who were later classified by the Westerners as primitive and back-warded.

Our Ancestors are expert traders (Kula trade, Hiri, Tee, etc.) and have knowledge of commerce. However some white man decided to call us cannibals, primitive culture and back-warded that is ingrained into every Papua New Guineans psychic.

Since the first mines in Wau Bulolo by Australian miners to Rio Tinto (British) Copper mine in Bougainville and Chevron Niugini (American) what have we achieved in real developments?

Not to mentioned the recent influx of Western miners and drillers (Exxon Mobil - America), Harmony Gold (Australia), Oil Search (Australian) and others you named it.

These are the very same companies that inflict dependency syndrome ditch disease and resource curse upon our African brothers and are now turning towards us.

Speak to any African and they will tell you themselves about their experience with Western Hegemony.

I tell you, westerners are much more shroud in dealing with blacks than the Chinese. I am not trying to be discriminating here but just being more realism.

Honestly, Chinese have more confidence and trust in us managing our own resources than the westerners do.

I should educate us all a little bit more about Chinese strategic thoughts and philosophies here.

When achieving membership at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1971, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) declared that like many Asian, African and Latin American countries, China belongs to these Third World Countries.

By saying this China meant that she is economically backward and is a developing country.

However at the same time China also promised to help the struggling people and nations to achieve freedom, oppose foreign invasion and decide their own future.

China voiced opposition to the imperialist and colonist theory that “big nations are superior to the small nations” and “small nations are subordinate to the big nations” and to the power politics and hegemony of “big nations bullying small ones” or “strong nations bullying weak ones”.

The China Communist Party (CCP), firmly hold this view and continue to do so today by aggressively pursuing economic development.

However, opinion varies today especially in the west whether China really fulfill its promise to support the Third World, small and poor nations.

Some observers charged that China has failed to translate its words into deeds, while others maintained that china has honored it’s pledged unequivocally.

With this strategic thought, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) the largest single communist organization in the world, tirelessly skippered China from a Developing Third World nation to an Economic Superpower.

However, misconception of the Communist Government in China continues to exist, despite the fact that China’s government and economic structures have changed greatly since the reform and opening up in 1978.

Show me only one country that China has colonized which is struggling in poverty and underdevelopment and I'll show you ten countries struggling with poverty and underdevelopment under western hegemony. I'll stop here for now.

Note: This commentary acknowledges Albert Tobby Kaupa for his contribution.