Women from Tambul, Western Highlands Province ready for the traditional dance (Welda). Picture was taken by Sharon on 16th September 2008 during PNG's 33rd independence anniversary in Pogera, Enga Province

Steven from Tambul, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea in his traditional warrying gear for the celebration of PNG's 33rd independence anniversary on 16th Sep, 2008. Picture by Sharon

Men from Tambul in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea in their traditional attire for the traditional march (gluiya) during the 33rd independence anniversary of Papua New Guinea 16th September, 2008. Picture by Sharon

From Porgera Enga province in Papua New Guinea during the 33rd independence anniversary celebration on 16th September, 2008. Picture by Sharon

From Laiagam in Enga Province during the 33rd PNG independence anniversary on 16th September, 2008. Picture by Sharon

Kandep women in traditional dance in Papua New Guinea on 16th September 2008 commemorating Papua New Guinea's 33rd independence anniversary. Picture by Sharon

Kandep men from Enga in Papua New Guinea in their traditional singsing/dance during the independence celebration, commemorating the 33rd Papua New Guinea independence anniversary on 16th September, 2008. Picture by Sharon

Girls from Kandep in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. Picture taken by Sharon during the 33rd PNG Independence Anniversary celebration

Caption: Future potential diplomats during their intensive foreign service training at Government House June this year. Foreign Service training is a prerequisite for future posting to PNG overseas missions. The future of PNG’s foreign policy formulation and implementation lies in their hands. Picture courtesy by John Bria

PNG’s diplomacy after 33 years and what lies ahead

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

SINCE independence, Papua New Guinea stood up as a nation, going through some economic, political and social tribulations.

On Tuesday 16th September, PNG will celebrate its 33rd Independence Anniversary.

When PNG gained her statehood on 16th September 1975, she was a new born into the international community, and that was during the Cold War period, an aggressive ideological war between the capitalist USA and Communist former USSR.

When thinking of how PNG survived this Cold War period, as opposed to “hot wars”, PNG admires its bureaucrats and career diplomats who sat down and drew PNG’s foreign policies that faced the challenges of yesteryears and future.

Realism, one of International Relations theories which depict “power politics” that associates with militarism, as opposed to institutionalism or idealism which believes in norms and values was dominant at that time.

Because PNG was a new born, her foreign policy experts were genuine to draw foreign policy, “friends to all and enemy to none”. Today, this policy remains.

In International Relations, states are the main actors. So PNG as a sovereign state, is the main actor, thus has an important role not only towards its people but the region and the world.

As such, formulations of PNG’s foreign policies are very important, taking into account the current international trend.

But when such policies are drafted, domestic polity also have some influence.

Also, policies are drafted by experts, who are indeed human beings, strongly influenced by their past experiences and the current surroundings.

So at the end, what kind of foreign policies does PNG have? Is it strongly influenced by international events, or influenced by domestic policies or even by the experts’ past experiences? I will leave these questions to people who draft and review PNG’s foreign policies.

One area the experts can learn from China’s experience is that Beijing gives priority to its domestic polity when drawing its foreign policies. The reason is that China was once humiliated by the Westerners so they are careful with outside influence.

On that note, does Canberra, London, New Zealand and other traditional partners influence PNG’s foreign policies? To some extent yes and it’s inevitable given the globalization trend, but Waigani must minimize outside influences.

PNG’s foreign policies experts must draw fine line, weighing out issues to make sure the sovereignty of PNG is not compromised, and at the same time maintain a cordial bilateral relationship with the traditional partners and as much, extend its relationship, depending very much on the availability of capitals.

Power of a nation state is depicted in its military might, economy and natural resources.

PNG has only the natural resources, but not the other two. USA has all three, and that’s why she can unilaterally attack Iraq and Afghanistan, leave aside its WWII and Cold War victory.

But the theory that military power, economic power and abundant natural resources are the foundation for a powerful country is proven wrong.

Good example is the U.S.’s defeat in Vietnam War and the current war in Iraq. If U.S. is powerful then why not complete its mission in Iraq sooner and leave?

U.S. is now watching North Korea and Iran which she termed as “axis of evil”. But the experience in Iraq has taught Washington a new lesson, “institutionalism” and “cooperation” is the way forward, rather then ‘unilateral” approach.

U.S. is no doubt world’s hegemony because it has the world’s modern military with world’s largest national economy.

Its gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated as $13.8 trillion in 2007 and maintains a high level of output per person, $46,000 in 2007, according to Wikipedia.

U.S. Armed Forces are the overall unified military forces of the U.S. and was formed during the Continental Congress and was permanently established after WWII.

As of June 30, 2008, about 1,427,546 people are on active duty in the military with an additional 1,458,400 people in the seven reserve components.

Much of U.S. military capability is involved in logistics and transportation, which enable rapid buildup of forces as needed.

The Air Force maintains a large fleet of C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster, and C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft with a substantial fleet of aerial refueling tankers.

The Marine Corps maintains Marine Expeditionary Units at sea with the Navy's Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.

The Navy's 11 active aircraft carriers, combined with a military doctrine of power projection, enable a flexible response to potential threats.

U.S is abundant with natural resources such as coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas and timber.

U.S also has multinational companies overseas which extract natural resources overseas for local consumption.

Compared that to China (PRC), The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the unified military organization of all land, sea, and air forces.

PLA is one of the world's largest military forces, with approximately 7,000,000 members and has the world's largest (active) standing army, with approximately 2.25 million members.

U.S. is next with 1,426,026 active service personal followed by India, Russia and North Korea. PNG has only 3,100 active service personal according to Wikipedia.

In terms of economy, PRC has the second largest economy in the world with a GDP of over $6.9 trillion (2007) when measured on a purchasing (PPP) basis.

In November 2007, it became the third largest in the world after the U.S. and Japan with a nominal GDP of US$3.42 trillion (2007) when measured in exchange-rate terms.

Since free market reforms in 1978 China's GDP has grown an average 9.9 percent a year.

China's per capita income has grown at an average annual rate of more than 8% over the last three decades, drastically reducing poverty, but this rapid growth has been accompanied by rising income inequalities.

The country's per capita income is classified as low by world standards, at about $2,000, and $7,800 in 2006, according to the International Monetary Fund.

China has a large and varied stock of natural resources. The variety of different landforms, soil conditions, and climate patterns offers many different kinds of opportunities for agricultural production.

A tremendous range of food and industrial crops can be grown, and this makes it possible for China to keep imports to a minimum.

In PNG, its Defence Force (PNGDF) is the unified armed forces, originate as an Australian colony before independence in 1975, the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment.

The then Pacific Islands Regiment, disbanded after World War II, was reformed again in 1951. At first, it consisted mostly of 1 PIR at Taurama Barracks Port Moresby.

In 1965, however, a second battalion, 2 PIR, was formed at Wewak. PNGDF land forces also include the Engineer Battalion in Igam Barracks at Lae, and as of 2000, a signal squadron, an explosive ordnance disposal unit, and a preventive medicine platoon.

PNG is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain, the high cost of developing infrastructure, serious law and order problems and the system of land title, which makes identifying the owners of land for the purpose of negotiating appropriate agreements problematic.

Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population.
Mineral deposits, including oil, copper, and gold, account for 72% of export earnings.
PNG’s GDP remains at $11.94 billion (2007 est.). It has abundant natural resources that have the potential to heal its economy if corruption is eradicated.

It may be bizarre to compare PNG to USA, world’s hegemony and the rising regional power China.

But the logic is this. China can have the largest military and the second largest economy immediately after USA but all of these are powered by natural resources.

USA’s main attack on Iraq is for oil, one of the important natural resources that is reaping ordinary PNG family when the fuel price is skyrocketing.

This had ripple effects on other commodities instigating high prices, consequently, pulling Unitech students out of their class to demand the government to intervene.

So what does PNG have that makes the country having a leverage over countries like U.S., Australia, China, New Zealand, United Kingdom and other trading partners? It’s the natural resources in abundance.

So our foreign policy experts at the International Relations Divisions, especially foreign policy review team at the Foreign Affairs department need to take into consideration that PNG has abundant natural resources to bargain for a better diplomatic and economic benefit.

The world of “realism” has gone, and today major players in world politics put emphasis on “institutionalism”, and economic cooperation, by promoting interdependence. PNG has great advantages now.

Recently, the bilateral and economic relationship between China and PNG has been further strengthened with the extension of the loan repayment of about K30 million by another 10 years.

And China has also committed another grant of about K4 million to PNG.

Thirty-three years after independence, PNG is now at the cross-road of international interdependence and prudent diplomacy.

PNG has done extremely well with embassies (Kundus) in Jakarta, Manila, Belgium, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Washington D.C., New York, high commissions in Honiara, Suva, Canberra, Kuala Lumpar, London, New Delhi, Wellington, consulates in Jayapura and Brisbane and honorary consulates in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Bangkok.

In diplomacy, Kundus have done well in the past 33 years. Today, our foreign policies must be based on international trend, with domestic interest always taking precedence.

PNG is not a failed state, or a weak state. Her foreign policies spoke well in the past 33 years. However, PNG now faces a big challenge given the globalization era.

But if PNG can go through the Cold War period then scenario today is simply about mutual understanding, cooperation and interdependence through established regimes as most economies are complementary.

The world today does not need hegemony, given U.S.’s slow decline, but cooperation and interdependence amongst states, only through established regimes.

PNG stands to benefit. Happy 33rd Anniversary, my beloved PNG.

Note: Asia-Pacific Perspective: China + looks at Chinese society, culture, economy, governance and China's role within the Asia Pacific region and the world over. It mainly focuses on how PNG can learn from China's experience. The writer is a PNG student in China.

The Birds of Paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae of the order Passeriformes. They are found in eastern Indonesia, Torres Strait Islands, Papua New Guinea, and eastern Australia. The members of this family are perhaps best known for the plumage of the males of most species, in particular highly elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the beak, wings or head. Birds of paradise range in size from the King Bird of Paradise at 50 grams (1.8 oz) and 15 cm (6 in) to the Black Sicklebill at 110 cm (43 in) and the Curl-crested Manucode at 430 grams (15.2 oz). Picture Courtesy by Luke Pawa Paip, Divine Word University, Madang

Georgina Bria (center) with two friends in Papua New Guinea's gold color during her 5th birth day celebration (4th July, 2008) at 5-Mile, Gordon Ridge, outside Port Moresby. Given PNG's 33rd Independence Anniversary on 16th September 2008, the gold color resembles the essence of being the proud Papua New Guineans. These three beautiful girls depict the true color of their country in their "bilum" dress. But what the future holds for them is something they will discover when they grow up tomorrow. Picture courtesy by John Bria.

Caption: New PNG students in Beijing on their way to Ambassador Momis’s residence for the welcoming dinner. Picture by Albert Tobby, Beijing

Ambassador: Bridge Gap Between PNG and China

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

AMBASSADOR to China, John Momis has appealed to Papua New Guinea students studying in China to bridge the cultural and developmental gap between the two countries.

Speaking to 25 new PNG students on Chinese Government Scholarship on Tuesday 2nd Sep, 2008, Ambassador Momis emphasized that PNG students are in a better position to understand China well and this can help them promote the relationship between the two countries.

Momis challenged the students to learn Chinese language that will also help them fully understand the Chinese culture and people.

Speaking at the welcoming dinner at his residence in Beijing, Ambassador Momis encouraged the students to study hard, emphasizing that though education is a right, to be offered a full scholarship by the Chinese government is very rare.

He told the students to consider themselves as privileged and must have responsibility to their family, province, country and the promotion between the two countries.

Students were dispersed all over China to pursue various degrees. China currently has more then 40 students from PNG.

Present at the dinner were national Chinese staff of the PNG Embassy, former PNG Students studying in Beijing including Angelo Wak, Danniel Pepson, Billy Tomon, Albert Tobby and Hildagad Rai and the Acting First Secretary Ms. Liza Gabina.

Ambassadors’ family was also present.

Papua New Guinea fraud suspect kept in detention

By Jimmy Chuang

STAFF REPORTER Taipei Times

Wu Shih-tsai, a key suspect in the Papua New Guinea diplomatic fraud scandal, is being kept in custody because prosecutors fear he could attempt to escape during the ongoing investigation into the case, the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office said yesterday.

Wu and his partner Ching Chi-ju, who were commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in 2006 to help broker a deal for the establishment of diplomatic ties with Papua New Guinea, allegedly embezzled the US$29.8 million intended as aid for the Pacific country.

While Ching remains on the run, Wu, taken into custody by prosecutors in May, was indicted on Friday on charges of forgery and defamation.

"This case concerned a lot of money, which was wired to foreign bank accounts. We have not finished our investigation or determined where the money is,” Chief Prosecutor Huang Mo-hsin said.

Prosecutors said they were investigating whether any government officials, including former vice premier Chiou I-jen and former minister of foreign affairs James Huang, were involved in the case.

On May 6, Huang filed a detention request against Wu on charges of corruption, which was granted by the district court.

Wu should have been released last Friday, when the detention period expired, but prosecutors requested an extension on other charges.

“The forgery, and Wu’s lying to the police, made for a solid case for us to keep him,” Huang said. Wu at one point defended his actions to police by saying he had been threatened at gunpoint.

Diplomatic fraud suspect indicted, stays behind bars.

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

THE key suspect in the Papua New Guinea diplomatic fraud scandal in Taipei was indicted on Friday.

Taipei Times reports the Taipei Chief Prosecutor Huang Mo-hsin indicted Wu Shih-tsai, on charges of falsifying bank statements and lying to the police after he made up a story about being threatened by an unidentified gunman.

“Prosecutors decided that the evidence was sufficient to find him guilty, so we decided to indict him today,” said Lin Chin-chun, spokesman for the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office, during a press conference on Friday. Wu has been in custody since May 6.

According to Taipei Times, the procedure states that once indicted, the defendant must be immediately released, but Wu remained in detention after a request for an extension was granted by Taipei District Court Judge Chang Yung-hung after evidence found that he was trying to leave the country.

Wu and Ching Chi-ju, the other main suspect in the diplomatic scandal, were commissioned in August 2006 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former National Security Council secretary-general Chiou I-jen to act as intermediaries in an attempt to forge diplomatic relations with Papua New Guinea.

Timothy Bonga, the MP for Nawaeb and lawyer Dr Florian Guban were alleged to have negotiated with Taipei for diplomatic exchange over a US$29.8 million. Bonga was Eda Ranu boss at that time.

The allegation has been categorically denied and the National Government is currently tightlipped on the issue.

Taipei Times reports the Taiwanese Foreign Affairs Ministry agreed to wire US$29.8 million into Wu and Ching’s bank account at a branch of OCBC Bank in Singapore.

The funds were to be transferred to the Papua New Guinea government once the two nations had signed a diplomatic communiqué.

Sir Michael Somare was the prime minister at the time of the alleged scandalTaiwan failed to develop relations and in December 2006 the ministry asked for its money back.

Ching allegedly refused to return the funds and has since disappeared, reports Taipei Times.

Chiou, former minister of foreign affairs James Huang and former deputy minister of national defense Ko Cheng-heng all resigned over their involvement in the diplomatic scheme.

Ching, who is a US citizen, is believed to be at large in the US.

Caption: The writer with student colleague Bruce Lee having fun over the “ping pong” table at Jilin University, China. Socialization like this is common amongst international and Chinese students, one of the effective ways to know China well.

Caption: Chinese premier Wen Jiabao holds a torch after lighting the Beijing Paralympic flame during the Paralympic flame lighting ceremony at the ancient Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Aug. 28, 2008. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

“Ping Pong Diplomacy”: The Power of Sports

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

THE GOVERNMENT of Papua New Guinea has no recognition for sports in the country or to an extent, nothing at all, revealing a sorry state for the upcoming sporting youths.

This sets one of the bad legacies in PNG’s sporting history.

Recent move by the government directing the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) to “immediately vacate” Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Sports Complex to make way for the ACP-EU joint parliamentary session depicts the governments’ position on sports.

PNGSF is the Governments’ agencies that coordinates and delivers sports programs, but the instruction will severely affect the scheduled sports programs.

The set back will be inevitably disastrous as indicated by the acting executive director John Kambuou.

While recognizing the importance of the upcoming ACP-EU joint parliamentary session, what compels this commentary is that the government does not have in place avenues for specific events given their equal importance.

Sports are one of the most important areas that any governments in the world invest tremendous resources to see their athletes strive to the best of their capabilities on world stages.

Sadly, the move by prime minister and NEC’s office comes after Team PNG lead by the “big fish’ Ryan Pini competed against the top world athletes like America’s Michael Phelps in Beijing Olympic recently.

Pini splashed the pool at “water cube” that sent forth ripples of hope for the “Island Paradise” when the world watched and knew that Pini is an “island boy”.

Not only that. The direction from NEC came about 12 days (August 26th, 2008) before the commencement of the 13th Paralympic Games in Beijing, which started yesterday (Sep 6th, 2008) and will end Sep 17.

What is behind this scenario is that PNG Government does not promote a healthy population for the development of her economy.

Now, how can PNGSF coordinate sending PNG representatives to the current Paralympic Games in Beijing if any?

This further shows that PNG Government does not recognize the presence of our disable population, who are living amongst PNG citizens to participate in sports and other activities equally.

There are disabled individuals in PNG and rest of Oceania who contribute enormously in professions that have profound impact on regional economies. List of names can be enumerated if their privacy is not of concern.

Those who could not make for further studies can excel in other areas like sports if the government provides facilities like having a permanent building for PNGSF, rather then recycling the Stadium for political, economics and social purposes.

The Chinese government constructed the stadium originally for sporting purposes.

A healthy population is the foundation for healthy economy, and that can only come through sports if efforts and resources are put in.

Evidences show that some effective groups of people who represent their motherland overseas are diplomats, students and athletes.

But athletes commit their time, resources, and efforts by going through painful trainings to represent their country. We need not look further then Ryan Pini, Dika Tou and others.

When Pini won gold for the first time in Sydney 2000, the ripple of sports hopeful pierced throughout the Pacific Ocean, let alone PNG homeland applauding Pini who became an overnight household name.

Pini made his country’s mark on the world map, and this is the power of “sports diplomacy”.

Sports have also played important roles during and after the Cold War periods.

The popular ‘ping pong diplomacy’ is a legacy that revealed the power of sports that can bring lasting peace and normalcy between rising and established world powers.

Perhaps it had never occurred to anyone - and indeed nor to anyone even three decades ago - that the game would play such a vital role in the Olympic Movement and be used someday as a powerful weapon in diplomacy leading to the re-opening of Sino-U.S. relations in the early '70s.

After the U.S.-backed Kuomintang government was overthrown in 1949, the United States adopted a policy of blockade towards the newly-born People's Republic of China.

In the late '60s, in face of increasing Soviet menaces, the Nixon Administration wanted to change its global strategy by improving its relations with China.

As Nixon had written in the October 1967 issue of Foreign Affairs, "Taking the long view we simply cannot afford to leave China forever outside the family of nations."

Immediately after his nomination for President, he reiterated in an interview to Time Magazine that "We must not forget China. We must always seek opportunities to talk with her." "If there is anything I want to do before I die, it is to go to China."

On the other hand, as Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai had declared as early as 1955 at the Bandung Conference, "The Chinese people are friendly towards the American people. The Chinese people want no war with the United States. The Chinese government is willing to sit down for talks on problems concerning the relaxation of tensions in the Far East, particularly in the Taiwan area."

Towards the end of 1969, the talks in Warsaw between China and the United States at the ministerial level which had gone on for 14 years without achieving any result were resumed.

It happened that the 31st World Table Tennis Championships was going to be held in Nagoya, Japan, from March 28 through April 7, 1971. Concerning China's participation in this tournament, a special meeting was held at the State Council on March 11.

It was attended by officials from the Foreign Ministry and the State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports, with Premier Zhou Enlai presiding.

"Our table tennis team represents our country and our people, " Zhou said.
"It will come into contact with many teams from other countries including the United States. If the American team is a progressive one, we may invite it to China for competition. Hasn't our team been to West Germany? Can't it even go to the United States? We haven't restored relations with Japan, but our sports delegation can go there."

While in Nagoya, Song Zhong of the Chinese delegation met with Steenhoven, manager of the U.S. delegation, who told him that on the eve of its departure the U.S. State Department, had decided to lift all restrictions on travels to China for holders of American passports.

Song said that this meant they might be able to meet someday in Beijing. Steenhoven said that American players had much to learn from Chinese players if they had the chance to visit China.

The conversation was immediately reported back to China, where a daily bulletin was published about the news from Nagoya, with copies sent to Zhou and Mao and to the Foreign Ministry.

Upon hearing the news about the conversation, Mao ordered that five telephone calls instead of three be made to Nagoya every day.

On April 1, across the Pacific, Henry Kissinger read a memorandum from the State Department in which Zhou was reported to have told former Japanese foreign minister Fujiyama Aiichiro that there might be a sudden turn for the better sometime in the relations between China and the United States.

In Beijing, after a careful study of the reports from Nagoya, the Foreign Ministry held that in inviting Americans to China, first consideration should be given to influential journalists and politicians.

Mao was well informed of what had happened in Nagoya. He decided to invite the American players immediately.

On April 7, the Chinese delegation received a directive from home: "considering that the American team has made the request many times with friendly enthusiasm, it has been approved to invite it, including its leaders, to visit our country."

Upon receiving the invitation, Steenhoven immediately reported to the American ambassador to Japan.

After reading the cable from Tokyo, Nixon decided at once that the American team should go to China, taking the invitation for the beginning of a long-awaited major diplomatic action.

On April 14, Zhou received the guest teams from the United States, Canada, Colombia and Nigeria at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

When talking with the American players, he said, "The Chinese and American people used to have frequent exchanges. Then came a long period of severance. Your visit has opened the door to friendship between the peoples of the two countries."

A few hours after the reception, Nixon announced a relaxation of embargo against China.

In the latter part of April, China sent a letter to the United States, saying that China would be willing to receive a special envoy like the American Secretary of State, or the President himself.

In July Kissinger and Zhou had talks in Beijing from the 9th to the 11th and the two countries publicized a communiqué simultaneously on the 15th.

From February 21 through 28, 1972, Nixon visited China and met with Mao on the day of his arrival in Beijing. A communiqué signed in Shanghai was publicized by the two countries on the 27th.

The "ping pong diplomacy" led to the restoration of Sino-U.S. relations which had been cut for more than two decades.

This triggered off a series of other events, including the restoration of China's legitimate rights in the United Nations by an overwhelming majority vote in October, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and other countries, like PNG in 1976.

Many countries today are benefiting from the powerful effect created by the “little ping pong ball”.

This little “ball” had the ripple effect that eventually led China to engage in many regional and international organizations genuinely.

Thus, China opened up 30 years ago, and now experiences one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Olympic Games in Beijing last month is not the concluding chapter of the little “ping pong ball” effects, but an opening of a new chapter in Chinas’ “peaceful rise”. This is “sports diplomacy”.

PNG and Oceania must learn from history and give sports a chance.

Note: “Asia-Pacific Perspective: China +” looks at Chinese society, culture, economy, governance and China’s role within the region and the world over. It mainly focuses on how Oceania can learn from China’s experience. The writer is a PNG student in China.

Good Bye Stefano

Stefano (far right in white) with International Relations masters students from developing countries posing for the group photo at Friendship Hotel in Jilin University before he left for his home country Italy on Sep 2, 2008. I am putting a tumps up far right.

The last group photo taken with Stefano on Sep 2, 2008 (tallest amongst the group) at the Friendship Hotel in Jilin Province, Changchun city, China (PRC). Stefano from Italy came to Jilin university for six months as research computer students. He was living just opposite my hotel room and most of the time we bump into each other. Every afternoon we meet at the mini soccer field for a soccer match. While at Jilin, Stefano met students from all over the world brought together to study under the Chinese Government Scholarship in various fields. He also met and befriended with lots of Chinese students. Sure, Stefano will miss China, particularly Changchun and his new found friends but he is happy to be back in Italy with his family, friends and get back to Italy food which he missed so much. He promised to return to Changchun one day, given the fact that he treasure this beautiful city. From his friends here at Friend Hotel, we wish Stefano a successful completion in his studies and a healthy life and future. (By Mathew Yakai with hand on pocket, first right)

Email from Stefano to me when he arrived home safely.

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 20:14:56

Re: nihao

I arrived at home yesterday night after a long journey...now here it is 2:15 pm... it is rainingI am fine...

I miss the football matches in the Friendship Hotel...Hope to come back to Changchun soon...Good luck !!!Stefano

Note: As PNG will celebrate its 33 years of Independence on 16th September 2008, I paste the country's National Pledge to remember the Motherland.

PNG and China since 1976 established their bilateral relationship. Since then, the two countries have developed and strengthened their bilateral relationship to this point.

We, the people of Papua New Guinea, pledge ourselves united in one nation.

We pay homage to our cultural heritage, the source of our strength.

We pledge to build a democratic society, based on justice, equality, respect and prosperity for our people.

We pledge to stand together as One People, One Nation, One Country God bless Papua New Guinea

Caption: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao shakes hands with Vanuatu Prime Minister Lini at the opening of the First Ministerial Conference of the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Nadi, Fiji, April 5, 2006. The relationship between the island country and China is "sincere and friendly.Vanuatu recognises the 'One China Policy" and opposes Taiwanese move to become the member of U.N.” [Xinhua Photo]

Vanuatu election update.

Below is an email from Daily Post newspaper journalist in Vanuatu, an update on Vanuatu elections currently going on. I recently secured a column with Daily Post and they publish my articles under "Asia-Pacific Perspective: China +" looking at what Vanuatu can learn from China on issues related to economics, politics and social. Articles are published every Saturday weekdays.

Quite a number of upsets. Barak sope likely to lose seat including heavy-weights Willie Jimmy, Sela Molisa, and Keasipai Song. At least 17 veterans could lose their seats. And Vanua'aku Pati, the oldest party that led Vanuatu to independence, some strong showing which wasn't expected. And for first time in history an independent candidate in Port Vila has surpassed all expectations with a massive 2000 votes, record in Vanuatu politics history. Hope you are familiar with some of these big names.

Once again,

thanks and cheers

Kiery

Caption: From right - Dorah (Brazil), Jirka (Czech Republic), Darasa (Ethiopia) and me (PNG) at Jilin University in China (PRC). One of our memorable time that will go down in our individual histories. Some universities around the world enrol students from all over the world and that provides their students with opportunities to live, study and interact together freely. That opens up the door for international students to know other countries and people's cultures very well and enables students to be true global citizens.

Vanuatu Daily Post Publishes My Articles

The Daily Post English newspaper in Port Vila, Vanuatu, is currently publishing my weekly column every Saturdays. My column, "Asia Pacific Perspective: China +" attempts to reach all the island countries so they can learn from China. This is a personal initiative with no funding and support by any organisation or individuals. I am currently writing for three newspapers, with my column, "Asia Pacific Perspective: China +" for Sunday Chronicle newspaper in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea published every Sunday, Island Sun newspaper in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Daily Post newspaper in Port Vila in Vanuatu every Saturday. I am striving to reach out to other island countries sooner.

Mathew Yakai

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao shakes hands with Prime Minister Somare at the opening of the First Ministerial Conference of the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Nadi, Fiji, April 5, 2006. Somare described the relationship between the island countries and China as "sincere and friendly.” [Xinhua Photo]

Oceania still plagued by "big boy" politics

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

THERE is understandably a great deal of cynicism about politicians in every country. Their reputation is probably now lower than that of any other profession because they have so often been exposed as liars and/or as corrupt.

In Oceania, from slaughtering pig to dishing out cash money to potential voters is the new found concept, completely debases the original notion of island “big manship” or “wantokism”.

When the National Alliance (NA) Party in Papua New Guinea (PNG) took power, it did so because the electorate had become aware of the modern politics and globalization trend after the populace merely survived on the brink of a dollar or less per day.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare promised a new era in politics, but it soon became clear that NA politicians were just as interested as their predecessors in the trappings and perks of politics, from chauffeur-driven cars to ministerial residences and luxury travel.

They were also just as hypocritical. Like their predecessors they were happy to pull strings for their friends.

They did not like the fact that their private lives were open to public scrutiny and, as their predecessors had done, did all they could to smear their critics.

What is evident today in PNG, and island politics is that every politicians with their cohorts fight out legal battles, even to the extent of deflating their personal accounts to retain the “power”, that they see as the harbinger for personal gain.

Questions always arise. Is it their birth right to fight legal battles to hold on the mandate given by people?

Politicians and bureaucrats are so selfish, power hungry and will never show any remorse by stepping down when implicated for alleged corruption.

Let’s get some perspective in order.

In early 2007, there were concerns over the handling by Prime Minister Somare of a defence board of inquiry, established to investigate the illegal removal of the fugitive Julian Moti from PNG to Solomon Islands.

After implicated in the inquiry, the Prime Minister pressured the defence minister into dissolving the board of inquiry, sacked him and later appropriated his portfolio, thereby gaining control over the contents of the relevant report.

The Grand Chief is respected for his fervent stand on the principal of democracy in PNG, the region and the world. But his action is contradictory! There are other inquiries that he aborted or procrastinated to date.

The story does not end at the highest office. Allegations that Timothy Bonga, the recycled MP for Nawaeb and made the chairman of the Powerful Public Accounts committee should also step down from his office while the investigation into an alleged US$30 million diplomacy exchange with Taiwan, (renegade province of Great China) is underway.

Diplomat Dr. Florian Guban is also included in this serious allegation that would have jeopardized the sovereignty of PNG.

Media reports revealed that the Taiwanese vice Premier Chiou I-jen allegedly involved in the bid to win PNG’s favor, has announced his willingness to resign from the ruling party.
“My role in the scandal has made me deeply ashamed in the face of our nation and our people,” Mr. Chiou said.

Sir Michael Somare had known the former water chief Mr. Bonga and diplomat Dr. Guban, and this commentary concludes that Sir Somare has knowledge of this shameful scandal. But will they all resign from their respective posts to save the reputation of PNG?

Politicians in PNG have lost the ability to feel ashamed over allegations of stealing and misappropriation. Incidents like the NPF inquiry, the Julian Moti affair, the Taiwan scandal, the US$40 million saga in Singapore and the Kerema and Madang BSP branch robberies hint at systemic corruption, which will affect PNG’s regional and international standing.

Bulolo MP Sam Basil said in Lae recently, “… I am a bit saddened to see these people, who have exhausted their vision and still around, running the country. In my view, you cannot teach old dog new tricks. With the advance of globalization, economics, trade, we need to have leaders who are focused on those issues and take the country from here and move forward.”

Finland, Denmark, and New Zealand are perceived to be the world's least corrupt countries, and Somalia and Myanmar are perceived to be the most corrupt, according to the 2007 annual survey by the Berlin-based organization Transparency International (TI).

TI states that PNG had significantly improved its rating. Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands do not have serious corruption problems compared to Oceania’s largest island country with abundant natural resources, PNG.

Politicians, bureaucrats and law enforcing agencies always accuse the petty criminals, rapists, murderers, and other elements that go against the norms and spirit of the laws, that they discourage foreign investors.

But what do they say about institutionalized crimes, or simply, using their power for personal gains. This does have a devastating impact on the economy.

Normal trend in other countries have revealed that politicians, bureaucrats, company CEO’s and influential figures whose role have direct impact on people resign when implicated for alleged corruption.

These help in several ways. They maintain their reputation, the organization, the country and finally but not the least making it possible for a speedy and impartial investigation into alleged corruptions.

New York Times reported that Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, announced his resignation in May 2008.

He denied accusations of corruption in the 1990s, when he was finance minister, but said he was quitting, preventing his government’s work from being “constantly deflected by the minutiae of my life, my lifestyle and my finances.”

During Mr. Ahern’s 11 years in office, Ireland’s economy has undergone a transformation to become one of the most robust in Europe.

“I want everyone to understand one truth above all else. Never, in all the time I have served in public office, have I put my personal interest ahead of the public good,” NYT quoted Mr. Ahern.

Ehud Olmert, Israel's prime minister said he will not stand for the leadership of his Kadima party, instead step down once Kadima has chosen a new leader after the September 17 poll, Aljazeera reports.

He has been under pressure to resign since police opened an inquiry into allegations of corruption during his time as mayor of Jerusalem.

Olmert, 62, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection to the claims that he received cash-stuffed envelopes from a U.S. businessman, but he said he would step down if indicted.

Los Angeles times reported May 18 last year that World Bank President Paul D. Wolfowitz announced his resignation effective June 30, 2007, after weeks of controversy over accusations that he had arranged a job transfer and substantial salary increases for his companion, who was a bank official.

The Wolfowitz controversy involved allegations that he had improperly arranged a promotion and raises for Shaha Ali Riza, a bank employee with whom he had been involved for several years before Bush named him to the institution’s top job.

President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan resigned recently rather than face impeachment.

Leaders of the two major parties in the coalition announced that they would seek Mr. Musharraf’s impeachment on charges that include illegally suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule last November and wrongly dismissing nearly 60 judges under that decree.

There are numerous examples world over.

Island leaders are not like Mohammed Soeharto, Ferdinand Marcos and Mobutu Sese Seko who ripped off up to $US50 billion ($A67.7 billion) from the people of Indonesia, the Philippines and Zaire, equivalent to the West's entire annual aid budget, as stated by anti-bribery campaigners.

But what ever the nature of the alleged corruption, islanders will wait longer to see their leaders resign voluntarily so that investor confidence is retained and strengthened.

Aid donors require transparency and accountability among leaders and institutions in Oceania.
Genuine donors like China have been accused by regional powers for allegedly corrupting Island states for providing non-conditional aids, but this is not Beijing’s problem as it does not interfere in islands sovereignty. After all, it’s how leaders run the affairs of their countries.

Former US president Richard Nixon in his speech, “Au Revoir” when resigning during the Watergate scandal said, “…we think that when someone dear to us dies….when we lose an election… when we suffer a defeat that all is ended.”

“Not true. It is only a beginning, always. The young must know it, the old must know it. It must always sustain us, because the greatness comes not when things go always good for you, but the greatness comes and you are really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes, because only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.”

But Island leaders never in their life want to be in the deepest valley. Only God knows their reasons!

Note: “Asia-Pacific Perspective: China +” looks at Chinese society, culture, economy, governance and China’s role within the Asia Pacific region and the world over. It mainly focuses on how Oceania can learn from China’s experience. The writer is a PNG student studying in China.