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.

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

Note: Jeffery in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea sent me an email on Friday 29th August, 2008 (below) after accessing my blog.

Hi guy from Tambul Ice Block,

Have visited your website and found out that your articles are fascinating. To write such it needs a lot time and effort. Haven’t come across to such articles from any of the previous students who have studied there. For sure, you are unique person among all those formers and just a brilliant.

Can see that you still have potential left in tank to create a book about CHINA. Please post anything related to China’s Development Life Style.

Keep on writing

All the best in your studies


JEFFERY PUPU
INTERNAL AUDITOR
Crowne Plaza Port Moresby

Note: Jeffery, I promise you and rest of my loyal readers that I will write on issues between China and PNG, including other Pacific island countries. This, I believe will facilitate common understanding between Beijing and Port Moresby with rest of the island countries. Thank you

Writers note: I first met Ipul Powaseu in Fiji in 1999 with dauthers Martha, Dorothy and son Sandy. On Thursday 28, 2008 she sent me a suprising email, applauding me for my regular column in the Sunday Chronicle, PNG. Below is the email she sent.

Dear Matthew,

It’s good afternoon to you and long time no hear.

I often enjoy reading your column in the Chronicles. By the way, I am here in Port Moresby with the girls (Martha is at Medical School and Dorothy is doing Law at UPNG (both second year). Sandy is doing his year 12 and would like to follow a career in Economics or Business.

I had been just reading the Chronicles and I enjoy reading your column. It is interesting to note your commentaries on China’s perspective in the Pacific. But one thing keeps making me wonder is the perception of Asian marketing of cheap products in the Pacific. I would like to read your opinion on this issue.

And if you return to PNG do drop in and say hi. I am currently working here at the National Research Institute as the Executive Officer.

With all our love.

Ms Ipul Powaseu

Note: Ipul, the so called cheap China's cheap product is an interesting issue. The cheap product issue had a diplomatic stand-off between Washinon and Beijing on Chinese made ‘toys" and also between Beijing and Tokyo on "dumbling". In PNG, we had our problem with the "tooth paste", and many others. But one thing I must emphasise is that everything I eat, wear, and use now is Chinese made, very cheap and of good quality. All start from food, clothes, laptop, mobile phone, MP3, digital camera, beer, transport etc. If I have a choice to choose between expensive and cheap products then I would go for Chinese products - not because they are cheap but of good quality. One must come to China to experience what I say. I will definitely work on an article on that. xiexie nin!

I did the article, "The First Anniversary" (below) and Amos Kafare sent me the below email from Port Moresby after reading Sunday Chronicle. Amos was my music teacher back at Aiyura National High School in 1994 and now teaches at an international School in POM.

Mat Gutpela moning tru long yu, thanks for acknowledging me on yesterdays paper. You can see that your writing is appreciated by many, many people and I’m proud. Why not produce a book with all your writings, just a suggestion. Bro you won’t make a mistake if you are thinking of becoming a diplomat one day with your wide knowledge. Time will tell… Y Mai may miss out if massing about opportunities. Catch and God Bless.
AK47

PNG student in China, Gene Drekeke Iyovo in his room, admiring my website where I post all my commentaries published by Sunday Chronicle in PNG and Island Sun in Solomon Islands.

The First Anniversary

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

DURING the Cold War period, Washington used either “engagement” or “containment” policy towards countries that were not following the “American Way”. China was one.

China learnt from Moscow’s collapse and drafted foreign policies that benefited its domestic polity, while actively engaging in regional and international forums, through “multilateralism”.

Multilateralism works well for U.S., as in the ongoing Six Party Talks, as opposed to “unilateralism”, as unilateral attack on Iraq.

Washington thinks that “engaging” China in regional and international forums will convert the communist state to a full democracy. But Washington bites its own tail now.

The Middle Kingdom progresses economically, depicting that communism can serve the needs of the people. Meanwhile, whatever china engages in: ‘multilateralism on win-win situation with non-interference in others sovereignty is upheld.”

Given China’s vast landmass with 56 different ethnic groups, the South China Sea issue, the recent Tibet upraises and the Taiwan Strait issue, China’s foreign and domestic policies is geared at addressing these issues through established forums, let alone issues concerning its sovereignty.

The post-Mao leadership, under the tentacle of Deng Xiaoping with other cadres of leadership, China discarded its hard line communist ruled mechanism that starved the economy into an open state since 1978.

Today marks its 30 years anniversary, boasting one of the fastest growing economies ever experienced in human history.

Coincidently, the ongoing Beijing Olympic is a welcoming party in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Given China’s rapid economic growth that has made Beijing’s “regional power” and “world presence” known, I have tried to depart China’s economic, political, spiritual and social developments.

The Western powers came, divided, ruled and left the sub-Saharan African countries, Central America down to South America and to Oceania. All they left behind was the ruin of colonialism and Eurocentric idealism, frustratingly insane and unique to the already existed social strata and norms.

China is no exception as it was humiliated by the western powers. But Chairman Mao Zedong stood up and fought aggressively, and today China is a proud Motherland.

Every Chinese leaders and policy makers are vary of policies or advise from foreign elements because they were once humiliated by the same. Any policies to be considered must be “home grown” with domestic flavor. No wonder China is growing today.

When this commentary started on August 26th last year, it gave prominence to how and why PNG and Oceania should learn from Beijing, given the fact that it is the world factory next door.

Since commencing, overwhelming responses were sent by keen readers, both in and outside PNG.

Though 26th August falls on Tuesday, I bring the anniversary forward and share with you the responses.

The distinguished comment I received was from the Chinese ambassador to PNG, his Excellency Wei Ruixing, an email dated January 30, 2008.

‘I am writing to commend your efforts in writing articles (commentaries) published on Sunday Chronicle, which were very informative to PNG readers and constructive for the mutual understanding between the peoples of China and PNG.’

‘I read almost every article you wrote, from which I also learned something new in my own country. I wish to express my appreciation to you for your contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples and our two countries,” Ambassador Ruixing stated.

Former politician and banker, Clement Nakmai also commended in an email dated Tuesday 20, 2008.

“Dear Mr. Yakai, Let me congratulate you for having educated us back in PNG on our emerging economic power within the Asia Pacific Region-China.”

“Your regular articles have been very informative and I believe many of our citizens change their perception on the various aspects of our relations with China. Certainly for me it has changed my understanding of China; and I can only see many opportunities for us in PNG and the Pacific if we think and re-engineer how we can harness much strategic trade, investments, educational and other aspects of engaging with China”.

Douglas Kera with the Foreign Affairs Department is a close follower of my commentary.

He sent an email on March 28th 2008, “Bro I have been following your column and begin to learn things from it. Please keep it up.”

Foreign Affairs Department with its Ministry maintains and promotes relationship between major international relation players. Receiving comments from an officer who hails from such organization is encouraging.

For the record, Douglas has gone through a short term Chinese language studies in Beijing and knows the economic prosperity of China and the benefits that lies ahead for PNG and the regional governments.

Keron Kilip, with Investment Promotion Authority, Port Moresby, sent an email dated May 21st, 2008 “….your interesting articles from Sunday Chronicle is never missed out reading...”

She sent the comment during one of her emails to find out on the situation of Papua New Guineans in China during the recent devastating earthquake. What a caring sister and Papua New Guinean to check us out!

Meckles Poya, lecturer at University of PNG highly commended the commentary saying that the commentary is enriching Papua New Guineans on the real aspect of China and the role China can play in PNG and the region.

Mr. Poya encouraged me to keep contributing given the fact that I am doing something that others can not do as they have their own responsibilities.

Peter Kinjap, one of the commentator with Sunday Chronicle said on the phone at 1:23am on Monday 18th August that my commentaries are outstanding and not only appealing to Papua New Guineans but the region as a whole.

Amos Kafare (AK47), former Aiyura National High school teacher back in 1995 sent an email, “Mathew, I saw your article on the paper and am very proud of you. It seems that you are doing a lot of research to write as such. Keep writing.”

Roger Ku Kaku with Fincorp said, “Your commentaries are very “powerful” and can not be missed reading.”

Comments were also received from Papua New Guineans abroad after accessing my blog http://mathewyakai.blogspot.com/.

From Qatar Power Transmission System Expansion Phase VII (Substation) Project, Doha, Middle East was a lone Ialibuan from Southern Highlands, Samuel Kakeiye dated August 17th, 2008.

“I am a regular visitor of your blog as I find your articles being comprehensively presented.

Well researched with qualitative and quantitative data. Very informative and interesting…provide a range of intuitive options to consider with much relevance to the issues at present to the Asia Pacific. I suggest one can read to understand.”

“Your articles covering the insights of China's culture, economy, governance and its extended missions to the Asia Pacific provides many lessons. Extensively bringing to the limelight of some issues of importance.”

“I wholeheartedly commend you for the brilliant initiative in maintaining your blog. Keep up the excellent work. Please do not take leave posting more articles, I can not wait ages to read the next article.”

Albert Tobby, a PNG student in Beijing also applauded my commentary after reading them on my blog.

“As a Papua New Guinean, I’m grateful for your publication. On behalf of the other Papua New Guineans who don't have such privilege to comment on your publication, I would humbly say...thank you very much Mathew …for helping us understand a country that is fast becoming an economic super power.”

“In the last two decades since the reform and opening up China's socialist structure has scored massive achievements that attracted world attention.”

“However given the large population and weak foundation and unbalanced development it still remains the largest developing country in the world. This means that there still remain a lot of rooms for development.”

“Thus the scenario implies that China's economic growth and dominance is inevitable. All CEO's, Presidents, Prime Ministers and Chancellors should be aware that China is a must strategic ally in development in this rapidly changing global community.”

Albert said it well. I should take this opportunity to commend Albert with rest of the PNG students in Beijing with the PNG embassy staff for showcasing PNG in various forums and activities.

Gene Drekeke from Asaro, Eastern Highlands Province at the Microbiodiesel Engineering in China sent me another fascinating email.

“I find your blog very interesting. Being in China now for one year, I have seen and witnessed a nation that has a rapid economic growth, infrastructure development and very good transport and communication system. A country of unique and strong traditional role model.”

“Your site is taking a voluntary role to tell the rest of Pacific island nations and the world about these facts. I see your site voice a lot on Asia and Chinas’ facts to the rest of the world”.

“I take time reading your site, update my knowledge on China and Asia. I believe rest of us in PNG and other Pacific Island nations can learn a lot from your writings. Keep up the good work,” Gene said.

For the benefit of PNG, Gene is a young promising scientist currently conducting research on biodiesel, an alternative fuel source for PNG.

Gene is a firm believer that if PNG can invest millions of Kina in a biodiesel project today, the country will progress economically.

I pray that PNG government recognizes the effort and desire of people like Gene in his research work.

Comments never came only from Papua New Guineans. Yaqin Zhang, Professor of dermatology at Jilin University in China and a medical expert on skin disease read my articles on my blog and sent her comments.

“I saw your articles on your website, you wrote a lot …hahaha…you are diligent, intelligent and humorous person I think.”

“If you want to know China better, I would like to tell you.”

On Wednesday 20, Yaqin and son Billy visited me at my hotel. They later invited me for dinner at an Indian restaurant after our short conversation.

The Indian spicy food was a perfect match to celebrate the first anniversary of this commentary.

China has a big land mass with large population of 1.3 billion and 500 years old history and currently experiencing rapid economic growth. Amazing, isn’t it? That’s what I will share with you in my coming commentaries.

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 in China

International Relations students from Jilin University, China with their colleagues from Yonsei University, South Korea with professors during the first Annual Graduate Workshop on “Globalization and Regional Integration in East Asia” in April 26 this year in Changchun, China. The international students come from all over the word, including PNG (Mathew in red middle raw far right) and Fiji (Leba in red far left back row) to study in China under the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Olympic diplomacy to student diplomacy

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun， China

VINCENT W. Sumale is the current Counselor at the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Washington D.C., United States of America.

He sent me an email on July 22, 2008: “Which part of China are you studying? I used to study Mandarin (Chinese language) at the Beijing Language Institute (Beijing Yuyan Sue Yuan) and later at Beijing University (Beida) studying International Political Relations.”

Vincent’s email was in response to my earlier email of July 12, 2008 to Ambassador Evan J. Paki who was appointed in March 2003, and concurrently serves as PNG’s High Commissioner to Canada and Ambassador to Mexico.

“I am so impressed with the embassy’s website and your representation in U.S. Keep up the good job,” I mentioned in my email to Ambassador Paki.

What inspired me of Vincent is that he attended one of the best universities in China, Beijing University.

The 21st Century Business Herald, the first authoritative financial and economic newspaper published that Tsinghua University in China is ranked first with a 270.74 score, and Beijing University and Zhejiang University took second and third places respectively.

Sometimes, Beijing University ascends to the top placing.

Jilin University which I attend is one of the top ten in China apart from Fudan University, Nanjing University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Wuhan University and Zhongshan University.

Almost all Chinese students dream of attending Beijing University, Tsinghua University, or the top ten universities mentioned earlier.

“I was one of the first two Papua New Guineans to study in China under the Chinese Government Scholarship. It was fun to study in China although the first two/three months were extremely difficult,” said Vincent.

When writing this commentary, I am aware of many PNG students currently studying throughout China, majoring in various subjects at renowned universities under the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship.

They include language students, undergraduates, postgraduate (MA and PhD), senior visiting scholars and general scholars.

Last week, I checked the list of incoming international students for this September and I was excited to discover a PNG student’s name. He (name) works with the Foreign Affairs Department in Port Moresby and will major in International Relations.

In the evening, I called a PNG student (name) and boast that eventually I will have a fellow Papua New Guinean at my university. He told me that there would be more then 15 PNG students coming to China.

The figure was not confirmed with the responsible authorities, though attempts were made.
China welcomes students from all over the world, including PNG students to study, while experiencing its 500 years old history under its scholarship scheme.

Chinese Government Scholarship scheme was established by the Ministry of Education in accordance with educational exchange agreements or understandings reached between Chinese government and governments of other countries, education organs, institutions and relevant international organizations to provide both full and partial scholarship to international students and scholars.

Since the reform and opening-up policy in 1987, China has received over 300 thousand overseas students from more than 160 countries.

They include language students, undergraduates, postgraduate (MA and PhD), senior visiting scholars and general scholars. Financially, they are divided into two groups: scholarship students and self-supporting students.

In the 2007 Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) Annual Reports, latest available statistics of international students under the Scholarships reveals that undergraduate students and diploma students top the list with 2,811 and 2,886 (28%) respectively.

Others include masters with 2,554 (25%), doctoral with 1,250 (12%), advanced diploma with 571 (6%) and short term program with 123 (1%).

The Report states that in academic year 2007 to this year, a total of 4,363 first year Chinese Government Scholarship recipient from 156 countries were received by 119 Chinese universities, with a recruit rate of 93.05 percent.

Among which, 2,338 were degree students, accounting for 53.59 percent of the total and representing a 1.89 percent increase over the previous years; 2,025 were non-degree students, accounting for 46.4 percent of the total; the number of graduate students, students of advanced learning and visiting scholars amounted to 1,800 representing 41.26 percent of the total; and 539 student were taking courses offered in English representing 12.35 percent of total.

In 2007, a total of 10,151 Chinese scholarship recipients from 168 countries studied in 118 universities, of which, 4,171 from Asia, 2,733 from Africa, 2,107 from Europe, 954 from America and 186 from Oceania (PNG included).

In 1997, there were only 36 students from Oceania, 119 in 1998 and 165 in 1999, according to the previous Annual Reports.

Last year, another 14 universities have been approved to receive Chinese Government Scholarship recipients from all over the world for the first time.

The rationale behind stating all these statistics is to give you are picture of China’s intention of opening up since 1978, by not only sending its students overseas to top foreign universities to be educated and later recruited in notable governmental positions, but also providing financial aid to foreign students from other countries to know more about China.

Vincent stated that he was one of the first two PNG　students during his time to study in China.

Today, more PNG students have committed their time to learn more from China so that they can return to contribute their knowledge towards the development of PNG.

China education and research network states that the number of foreign students studying in China has risen more than 20 percent annually over the past five years by quoting a Chinese educational official in Beijing.

"The Chinese government values educational cooperation with foreign countries and welcomes more foreign students to study in China," said Liu Baoli, vice director of the international cooperation department of the Ministry of Education (MOE).

He said there were 110,000 foreign students studying in China in 2004 and this has increased tremendously over the past years, reports China education and research network.

"China wishes to know more about the world and allows the world to know more about China," said Liu.

The ongoing attack on the Chinese communities in PNG and other pacific island countries is the cause of ideological and historical differences. Liu believes that one of the ways to bridge this gap is through education, by bringing not only PNG students but students from other countries to study in China, to know more about China and accept its genuine global presence and regional power.

Foreign graduates, Liu said, have contributed positively to friendly exchanges between China and other countries in the world in diplomatic, economic and cultural fields. Vincent is one good example.

Liu is correct and PNG must look beyond Liu’s comment.

China is growing rapidly in economic terms. Its GDP has tripled recently and now plays a major role in the region and the world affairs.

China is here to stay, so it’s PNG’s role to understand Beijing’s presence so that the two countries can work together for win-win situation.

China is also providing an educational avenue where students from all over the world can live, study, interact and exchange opinions based on research outcomes amongst themselves and the Chinese students in their respective fields of studies.

After all, these students will be the leaders of their respective countries, region and the world.

Rayn Pini, PNG’s gold medal hopeful, Dika Tau and rest of PNG’s athletes in the current Olympic in Beijing have represented PNG well in their respective sports. But they will stay here for only 17 days, the duration of the Game.

For those students who will join others already in China this coming September will stay for a year, or more.

Some may make China their home for the rest of their lives, thanks to globalization.

This reminds me of the late Okuk’s remark at UPNG Forum Square during the time of his best political career, “today we educate Papua New Guineans to work in PNG but tomorrow, Papua New Guineans will compete in the world job markets.”

China is now opening the door for PNGans to reach the global job opportunities. But importantly, to understand China very well and allow China understands PNG well too.

Congratulations to those students, who will take up studies, come September. This commentary salutes your time and commitment, not only for the benefit for your family and tribe but significantly, for PNG and world.

If Beijing Olympic slogan is ‘One World – One Dream” searching for a better future that sports can provide, then in the academic arena, the intellectual enrichment to “think globally and act globally” for common prosperity in peace, harmony and humanity is also China’s aims and dreams.

“Student’s diplomacy” will make a great impact in this China’s aims and dreams by upholding the bilateral relationship between Great China and PNG.

From domestic politics (protecting ones sovereignty), to regional politics and the international politics, at the end is the game of great men and women of big dreams and wisdoms to leave lasting legacy for future generations.

And that great dream in the 21st century can only emanate from great young people with great thinking, including those PNG students who will take up studies in China.

From this land far away, thousands of miles from Waigani, I see my beloved PNG, the country that gave me blood to survive. When I hear the winds whisper that the “big man” steals from “little man”, and makes him starve to death, it adds more courage to step forward.

The only way to stop the “big man” starving the “little man”, PNG needs vibrant intellectuals to reach the highest pinnacles of their scholarly reasoning, with accumulated wisdoms from experiences and exposures through education. China is providing the opportunity today.

It is heartbreaking to leave behind the affection of home, friends and relatives, but, PNG needs you in the future to rescue the “small man”.

Come and join rest of PNG students here in China. You will find new friends, new families and warm homes, that will make you become a global citizen with PNG nationality.

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 in China

Me and Zeng Lee (my photographer and translator) resting under the shade of the tree with our bicycle at the back at Nanhu Park.

At the background is a typicl traditional Chinese bridge you find anywhere in China. This is at Nanhu Park in Changchun, China. Pic by Zeng Lee.

Zeng Lee captured this image when I was paddling along a heavy traffic. Chinese traffic is very heavy and dangerious sometimes. When on the road, one must be very careful. I was on my way to Nanhu Park.

One of Japanese oldest built train at Nanhu Park, with me standing in front. This Chinese lad decided to join in with a plastic back in her hand. Pic by Zeng Lee.

Couple enjoying the tricycle ride at Nanhu Park, China, with two wheels in front and one at the back. They paddle the tricycle and use a wheel steer to control it. It appeared romantic for young couple to ride (Picture by Zeng Lee)

This is me at Nanhu Lake, sometimes refered to as South Lake in Changchun, China. Pic by Zeng Zing

At Nanhu Park, Changchun, China. At the background are senior citizens of China, dancing to a Chinese tune. During summer, elder people normally come around the park to entertain them selves. This is also onsidered as pat of exercise to keep themselves physically fit. Picture by Zeng Zing

Nanhu Lake Park

Picture above shows Mathew Yakai paddling on Nanhu Lake in China on 23rd July, 2008. Located in the southwest of Changchun City, China, the park covers about 222 hectares of land, including 93 hectares of lake. Being the largest park in Changchun, it was established in 1993. The lake is vast, with willows hanging down all along the banks. There is an island in the center, with an arch bridge connecting it with the bank, and a pavilion and three bridges. There is also the Nanhu Bridge and the Nanhu Hotel. Colorful boats dot the lake. In the park, there are many kinds of trees and shrubs, covering 50 percent of the park, including coniferous trees, broad-leaved trees and fruit trees. Tourists can swim, boat, fish and play in summer, and sleigh and go ice boating in winter.

Standing in the front row from left are Sir John Dawanicura (Chairman of PNG Olympic Committee), Syd Yates (Chief de mission PNG Olympic Team to Beijing), Chen Zhili (Vice President of BOCOG and Mayor of Olympic Village), John Momis (PNG Ambassador to PRC), and Sir Henry toRobert (President of PNG Olympic Committee and Sports Federation). Picture was taken during the flag raising ceremony in Beijing on Thursday. Picture by Albert Tobby in Beijing

I love my country

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun， China

On August 6th, 2007, Chinese embassy in Port Moresby appointed me to deliver a speech on behalf of PNG students (including myself) leaving for various studies in Great China.

Let me make it clear. When I say Great China, it includes the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

During my speech, I elaborated, “one can take me out of PNG but he or she will never take PNG out from me.”

For those who have been overseas will agree with me that it is reliving when one is recognized as a Papua New Guinean or by his nationality.

Why do I say this? See, it was 8.45pm, 08-08-08. I was in my room with my Japanese friend, Furukawa, gluing our nose to the TV screen. By the way, he brought a Japanese rice wine and we enjoyed it.

On the phone was Shaggy from Pogera. I put my mobile close to the TV speaker so she could hear the ongoing grand opening of Beijing Olympic.

At exactly 8:45pm, Gene Drekeke Iyovo, a PNg student in China called me from Jiangnan University of China in Jiangsu Province.

This is the moment I will never forget. The Big Fish…Rayn Pini was leading team PNG into the Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing. When I saw the PNG flag in Pini’s hand, with all the PNG team my tears naturally dropped down my chin…for a simple reason….”I love my country.”

On the floor of parliament, our elected leaders accuse each other…but that’s the beauty of democracy.

Rape, murder, criminal activities, unemployment, HIV/Aids…dominate our media and we still complain about these negative aspects of our failures. But we have never taken any moment out to join those who have taken PNG flag to places where they really represent PNG….for this case, Pini and team PNG.

I cried for one good reason….”I love my country”…and when I saw the flag in Pini’s hand before a capacity crowd of 48 thousand people and about four billion people watching on TV, I knew that China has provided the venue for PNG to make its presence known to the world scene.

Gene sent me a text message later and said, “Unblinkingly watched the different colors came officially into the Olympic bird's nest, the time of opening. The mentioned of Babuya Xinjineiya meaning Papua New Guinea in Chinese sent a shower of shock emotion down my spine, the PNG flag sent wave of tears, the flag bearer Rayn Pini gave me courage with joy and a new heart among the presence of world leaders, super powers and super citizens.”

He continued, “Amidst a world PNG exist. I personally believed the Olympics bring the whole world together under one burner-''One world one dream''. From those of us scattered into outer China away from Beijing, gave our hopes to Team PNG and watch your performance earnestly on TV. God Bless PNG!”

When Gene called, I was still crying…may be I am emotional but see, I love my country.

China has been accused many times by foreign media and individuals for being a communist state, on human right issues, and others.

Have you ever been to China? How much do you know about China? Do you believe what is on the media?

See…I have been to some of the villages in China and let me kindly and honestly tell you. The families here have three balanced meals a day. Their kids go to school, paid by the government.

Most of the old buildings are now demolished and families are moving into new high covenant buildings, provided with law rates by the government.

The health services and common facilities are provided by the government. The older citizens are taken care of by the government.

The train rail ways connect all provinces in China. Jobs in China are mushrooming any moment and people are engaged, thus, earning adequate money to enjoy the growing China.

When I read foreign media, accusing China of certain issues, I turn to wonder….in the hearth of Washington D.C, you see beggars. USA has a very serious human rights issue to address.

In Australia, see the way Canberra is treating the indigenous Australians.

In China, I have never seen any baggers on the street. You see beggars in PNG, in Australia, in America, even in Osaka in Japan. Not in China.

After the collapse of former USSR, China is now remaining as the only major communist state.

When I carefully look at China’s political situation, I totally admire its principles….and term it as a ‘guided democracy”. Why do I say this?

Look at all the African countries, South American countries, and Pacific Island countries, which were once colonized by western countries. We all have serious political problems because we abuse democracy.

But you see China, the democracy is guided and specifically focused towards benefiting the people. Let me give you an example.

During the devastating Earthquake in China recently, the President of China and top political leaders were at the scene with relief supplies immediately after four hours.

In PNG, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare hardly visits some of our naturally affected areas. Former Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta even tells PNG that he can not drag the Prime Ministers office to the street.

Late Bill Skate won the country’s heart when he was at tsunami affected Sepik.

Since China won the right to stage the Olympic, it has gone through close media watch. But this country, which I admire of its international standing, has been very genuine with its principles.

China is a member of many regional and international organizations. Importantly, a member of UN Security Council.

When the World Bank and IMF were slow to rescue the affected Asian countries during the Asian financial crises, China stood up and helped these countries.

When USA was devastated by the September 11 attack, Beijing sent condolences and further emphasized that any action taken must be carefully considered. Consequently, China did not support USA’s unilateral attack on Iraq.

China was not only wise but played by rules and norms of international values.

Recently, China has heavily involved in the Six Party talk, making North Korea to open up. The next possible role China can play is to negotiate with Iran.

So what more do the so called Western countries and their media expect from China. And this is what PNG must understand. PNG should not look at China through Western media, but must be independently.

Olympic is on now. Ryn Pini will splash the waves in Beijing. If he wins gold then its good for PNG, but the most important think he will do is strengthening the bilateral relationship between PNG and China.

China has invested heavily in PNG. That has brought food on our family tables. China is willing and ready to continue to do that.

After the Olympic, China will not be the same. For PNG, we are lucky to have China as one of our partners. Let’s treasure it, because Hu Jintao emphasized that he is willing to help the developing countries, which includes PNG.

To show that we are genuine with our bilateral relationship, I strongly recommend that PNG builds its own embassy building in Beijing, like what we have done recently in Tokyo.

I am sure, Beijing will help fund the construction.

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 in China

The Beijing Summer Olympic magic number

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

AUGUST 8, 2008, or 08-08-08, is more than just a date: it marks both the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games and is considered a lucky day for marriage with so many eights.

It is estimated that 15,000 couples will marry in Beijing on the day and 130,000-140,000 this year.
The grand opening is on Friday 8 and the first game at 8pm.

Today, the sacred Olympic Flame is in Sichuan for its last leg before it arrives in Beijing on Wednesday 6 for the grand opening on August 8.

Sichuan is given a special leg because of the devastating May 12 earthquake that left about 4.8 million people homeless with millions perished under the debris of the deadliest earthquake in China’s modern history.

The Flame passed through 100 cities in China and 18 cities around the globe, making it the longest leg in the Olympic history. Not only that. The flame also reached the highest peak, Mt Everest.

Thus, this game is very special that you should not miss, either on your TV screen or live in Beijing.

According to the Olympic Committee, there are reasons why you should not miss the Game

1. The 100,000-strong army of Beijing Olympic volunteers is the largest in Olympic history.

Each of the 70,000 Olympic and 30,000 Paralympic volunteers has undergone months of training.

2. 2008 is the first time one organizing team will oversee both the Olympics and Paralympics.

3. High-definition technology will be used for all TV broadcast operations, with all events and ceremonies enjoying 5.1 surround sound, a first for the Olympics.

4. A record 4 billion people are set to watch the Beijing Games.
Beijing Olympic Broadcasting (BOB), the official broadcaster of the Games, will produce about 5,400 hours of programs during the 17-day gala, 2,000 more than in Athens four years ago.

5. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has, for the first time, separately sold broadcasting rights for television and new media such as Internet and mobile networks.

CCTV (China’s Central TV) acquired the TV rights for the Beijing Games, while CCTV.com was awarded the domestic Internet and mobile platform license.

6. About 40,000 journalists will cover the Games, including 21,600 accredited media workers in press, broadcasting and television.

The Beijing International Media Center will also provide some 10,000 non-accredited journalists work areas and accommodation, among other services.

7. To help host a successful Games, six cities in China have joined Beijing as co-hosts. Tianjin, Shanghai, Qinhuangdao in Hebei province and Shenyang in Liaoning province will stage some Olympic soccer matches.

The coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province will host the sailing regatta, while Hong Kong, a city with a long history of horse racing and matching first-class facilities, will play host to equestrian events.

8. To modernize the Games, the IOC will introduce two new sports: Bicycle motocross (BMX) and the 10km marathon swim.

9. Some 600 cheerleaders from all over the country will go all out to entertain spectators with Chinese folk dancing, acrobatics, drum shows, lion dancing and martial arts during time-outs.

10. The Olympic Forest Park, 680 hectares of plantation and lakes, has given the city a new green lung.
Beijing also built a number of new water purification plants for daily water recycling, replaced dated equipment at its power plants and retrofitted gas stations citywide.

Beijing has also planted millions of trees to minimize sandstorms.

11. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay was scheduled to travel the longest distance and include the largest number of people over 130 days.

It reached the highest peak of Mount Qomolangma (Mt Everest) on May 8.

12. A 170-page Chinese Menu in English Version is seen as exemplary of one success of the English-speaking campaign throughout the city.

Pop stars teaching audiences correct English pronunciation and cab drivers toting language books all are part of Beijing's multilingual pre-Olympic effort.

13. A total of 4,104 Chinese have been named Aoyun (Chinese for "the Olympics") in homage to the Beijing Olympic Games, according to the figures released by the National Citizen Identity Information Center under the Ministry of Public Security in June.

Nearly 700 of the names were registered in 1992, when Beijing first applied to host the Games and another 553 were registered in 2001, when the city officially won the bid. About 92 percent of those named Aoyun are male.

14. Games organizers have held an annual Olympic cultural festival since 2003.

China's ancient culture and civilization are now being showcased to promote the Olympic spirit and publicize a green, hi-tech and people's Olympics.

15. Educating young people through sports is one of the primary goals of the Olympic Movement.

About 400 million young people in more than 500,000 schools across the country have received Olympic lessons ahead of the Beijing Games

16. The anti-doping effort at the Beijing Games will be more extensive than ever, with as many as 4,500 doping tests, 25 percent more than in Athens four years ago and 90 percent more than in Sydney in 2000.

17. The cost of the Beijing Games will dwarf the previous Olympics in Greece with total investment likely to reach $43 billion.

Venues, estimated to have cost about $1.8 billion to build, will be utilized as public sport and entertainment complexes afterwards.

Beijing also spent $16 billion in the past decade reducing smog, while additional infrastructure, such as the world's largest airport terminal, T3, an advanced railway station and new subway systems required vast expenditure.

18. Beijing's first subway linking Fuxingmen and Beijing Railway Station was initially built for military use, but today, 1.5 million passengers ride the 2-yuan subway each day.

The existing subway network spans 155 km and has 93 stations.

19. Multiple Olympic mascots are not uncommon, but for the first time more than three figures will share Summer Olympic mascot duty when the five Fuwa take center stage.

Featuring four of China's most popular animals - the fish, the panda, the Tibetan antelope and the swallow - and the Olympic flame, the mascots' names are "Beibei," "Jingjing," "Huanhuan," "Yingying" and "Nini," which together reads in Chinese as "Beijing welcomes you".

20. Beijing wished for its Olympic venues to be an expansion of its history and culture, both of which are firmly set on the spine of the city, a 7.7 km axis line running right through the emperor's seat at the Forbidden City, the middle of Tian'anmen Square, the Drum and Bell towers and Yongdingmen.

The north-south axis was believed to bring eternal stability, prompting designers of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube to position them on either side of it.

In doing so, they have integrated modern ideas with the deep-rooted spirit of the Middle Kingdom.

21. Since launching the Beijing 2008 Olympic Marketing Plan in September 2003, a total of 63 enterprises have become sponsors of the Beijing Games, including 12 worldwide Olympic partners.

22. China will field its largest Olympic team to date when about 570 athletes contest 28 sports in Beijing.

23. Taking into account China's average purchasing power, BOCOG ensured a low-price policy for Beijing Olympic and Paralympic tickets.

Opening ceremony prices were capped at 5,000 yuan ($641) per head, while the lowest price to a sports competition was 30 yuan ($4).

Closing ceremony tickets ranged from 150-3,000 yuan ($19-385).

24. In striving for excellence, various Chinese national teams have invited foreign coaches to guide them.

More than 30 foreign coaches are currently working with the Chinese Olympic team.

25. A group of Chinese-born athletes representing other countries or regions will be an important force in Beijing.

26. A number of Chinese coaches will lead foreign teams on home soil, such as women's volleyball legend Lang Ping, who will lead the US women's team.

Meanwhile, former coach of the Chinese badminton team Li Mao will lead the South Korean team.

27. Olympic medals are for the first time made of metal and jade. The medals were inlaid with Kunlun jade from China's Qinghai province in a symbol of "respect" and "virtue" in the Chinese tradition.

28. People who love Chinese martial arts must not miss the Beijing 2008 Wushu Tournament to be held on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympic Games from Aug 21 to 24 at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium.

29. Significance of 08-08-08 - It is no coincidence that the Beijing Games begins at 8 pm on the 8th day of the 8th month of '08.

The number 8 has special significance to the Chinese, because 8 in Chinese is pronounced "ba", which sounds a lot like "fa", which means prosperity or wealth.

In Chinese culture, 8 also denote the number of immortals and structure of trigrams, both of which are linked to auspicious ideas.

Also, when two digits of the number 8 are placed together - "88" - they resemble the stylized form of two Chinese ""characters, hence representing double happiness, a popular motif usually pasted upon the doors of newly married Chinese couples.

The number 8 is highly favored among the Chinese for its connotations of good luck, fortune and longevity.

Good luck to Beijing Olympic, the great game.

And for team PNG, this commentary wishes you all the best in your performance. Your presence in the Game will further strengthen the bilateral relationship between PNG and Great China.

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

U.S, Japan and Australia with hidden motives?

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun， China


ACADEMIAN David Kang purported that threats to the United States in East Asia do not arise from the traditional sources of great powers rivalry and conflict, rather arise from smallest and weakest states like North Korea and Iran.

But the break through in the six party talks has made North Korea to open up recently, yet there is more to be done.

The next “axis of evil”, Iran, is closely monitored so it does not build nuclear plant that would enable for uranium enrichment program.

These threats are not direct, but instead they arise indirectly, if they sell their alleged nuclear weapons to Middle Eastern terrorists group that would use against the United States.

The terrorists can also use these nuclear weapons against U.S allies like Japan, Australia, Britain and others, for supporting her.

U.S. does not face any direct security threats from the East Asian countries. Yet, U.S. interests in the region are as much economic as they are military.

Economic growth, not military conflict, has been the hallmark of the modern East Asian region and U.S. economic ties to the region are deep and growing deeper, including its allies.

But the recent overwhelming “reengagement” by U.S. Japan and traditionally Australia in Oceania is not only interesting but surprising given the fact that all these countries are strong allies, spreading all over the region with their respective economic strengths.

Since the end of Cold War, U.S. closed its small consular post in Solomon Islands, reduces some of its aid program outreach, and no longer maintains a separate Pacific Islands office in the State Department.

In March 2007, a senior State Department official admitted that “the nations of the Pacific have not always received either adequate diplomatic attention or development assistance” and promised a reversal of the trend.

Bush Administration coincidently pledged to “re-engage” with the region and declared last year (2007) the “Year of the Pacific”.

Consequently, Washington’s diplomacy has increased in Oceania with the re-establishment of its Fulbright Scholarship to Pacific Islanders.

U.S. through its Pacific Partnership 2008 program will see a humanitarian civic assistance mission aimed at building international relations with partner nations will visit PNG next month, U.S. embassy in Port Moresby confirmed as reported by The National.

Pacific Partnership in PNG would include the deployment of combined team of U.S. navy personnel and PNG Defence Force engineers to Popodetta this month (July 2008), followed by the hospital ship USNS Mercy’s 13-day visit to Port Moresby next month (August 2008).

This is one of U.S major Oceania diplomacy since the last 30 years after the end of Cold War.

Since Bush became the President, neither him nor his secretary visited any Pacific Island countries, depicting how insignificant these countries are.

But what is very obvious is that Washington controls the region through Canberra, Wellington, Tokyo and United Kingdom.

Recently, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare acknowledged U.S. army presence in Guam and told Parliament that if U.S. moves its army from Philippines to Guam then PNG stands to benefit from a tune of K20 billion by supplying agricultural produces, reported by The National.

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge who returned from U.S. earlier this year (2008) offered his old Lae airport for U.S. to erect its military base, the first in Oceania apart from Guam, which would have a proximity to any possible enemies that only Wenge knows.

Wenge attempted to attract U.S. capital and create employment for his people but he should also question… “Why such a superpower on PNG soil when Waigani’s foreign policy is, “friend to all and enemy to none”?

Both Wenge and Sir Somare suggested that PNG stands to benefit but they do not see the diplomatic repercussion and the long term relationship with PNG neighbors, especially Indonesia, the largest Muslim state which PNG shares its land border with and China, which has brought a lot of tangible development to PNG when U.S. packed up and left after the Cold War.

When one’s sovereignty is negotiated for military purposes then it must be made sure its foreign policy is not jeopardized…but in this case, both Sir Somare and Wenge did that.

The story does not end there! Recently, Japan, the strong ally of U.S. has offered to be part of the Australian-led regional assistance mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI.

Interestingly, Japans’ attempt to join RAMSI was discussed with Canberra in Tokyo, and Australia brought it up during the Pacific Islands Foreign Affair Ministers meeting recently.

Though Japan is an important bilateral and development partner, not only to Solomon Islands but to all the Pacific Island countries, its timing and current “re-engagement” policy by U.S. in the region must be seriously considered by the regional governments.

Solomon’s Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua has called for caution and says he’s seeking clarification on the offer, but must go further to question why Japan, when the regional “energy” is sufficient with New Zealand and Australia taking the lead.

Besides, the situation in Honiara is back to normal after the inquiry into Honiara’s 2006 Chinatown riots were found to have been politically motivated.

Australian newspaper The Age says the Sikua government has officially apologized to the Chinese community for the riots, which took place after Solomons’ MPs elected Snyder Rini as prime minister following national polls.

Regional leaders must question what Japan will offer and whether its involvement is a directive from Washington through Canberra.

Though Japan’s Pacifist Constitution Article 9 prohibits having its own military force, Japan has been very instrumental with logistics during the Afghanistan and now Iraq unilateral wars by U.S.

Canberra supported the war, literally for oil, against Iraq without the consent of the Pacific Island Regional Forum, showing how they can bully the Island states.

Now all are exhausted. Canberra is withdrawing its army, and U.S. is planning to do as well when the new president gets in, but depends on the situation on the ground.

Pacific Island countries have not fallen into the hands of terrorists, or likely to do so, though they have been termed to be heading towards the “brink of being failed states”.

The Iraqi government, though in power, the resistance is still on, and that’s where U.S. and Japan should focus their resources to protect the vulnerable, the women, children and the old.

Because there is no desperation in Oceania, the Pacific Island leaders would agree that U.S. and its allies should complete their mission in Iraq thoroughly.

Washington Post independently estimates the loss of civilian from the Iraq war to at least 100,000 Iraqi, because of the U.S. invasion.

Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopedia online states that the Iraqi health Ministry survey shows that 151,000 violent deaths out of 400,000 excesses deaths due to the war from march 2003 to June 2006, Lancet survey shows 601,027 violent deaths out of 654,965 excess deaths from March 2003 to June 2006 and Opinion Research Business survey shows 1,033,000 violent deaths as a result of the conflict from march 2003 to August 2007.

The mission is incomplete and the death tally will still increase.

But U.S. and Japan’s move to Oceania coincidently, though Japan was there before, should stimulate a lot of debate in the region, including our political leaders.

International situation reveals that the recent trend in the Pacific by both Japan and U.S. is to contain China’s cordial bilateral relationship with the Island countries.

To go further, the two countries try to contain China, when Bijing tries to be genuine partner in terms of economic development which the developing countries have benefited a lot since the 1970’s.

The ambition by U.S and Japan must be stopped by the island leaders because what Japan and U.S. are attempting at is directly interfering in regional sovereignty by denying what China has to offer.

Sufficiently, Canberra has a growing conflict between the material benefits associated with Australia’s deepening relationship with Beijing, and the broad security concerns it shares with the U.S.

China is making its new, more robust, presence felt around the globe, including in Oceania and the benefits to the Island countries have been overwhelming.

Yet, China’s immediate interest are not much different from those of other powers active in the region, such as U.S., Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.

The major difference is that these powers are well established in Oceania while China is not.

Most other influential actors have engaged with Pacific Islands societies for more than a century, initially as colonists.

And the drastic move by Japan and U.S. will have tremendous economic set back in the region, and this must be seriously considered by the island countries.

Cooperation between Australia, Japan, U.S. and China in Oceania for the Island countries economic development is welcome, but not a power politics, the replica of “Cold War”.

China’s foreign policy always remains, “non interference in another countries sovereignty and win-win diplomacy”.

What is U.S., Japan and Australia’s economic policy towards Oceania, given that they have set precedence already?

Should Oceania trust them to be good “great powers”, despite the fact that their hands are still covered with Iraqi’s blood?

Anyway, at least for the moment, China appears to broaden the menu of options for these island states, whose leaders are well accustomed to operating in a world controlled by great powers.

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 in China

30th March, 2008

China's rise: A threat?

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun

CHINA is a developing country, yet the fastest growing economy, becoming the third largest after Japan.

Its’ political and economic signs depicts that China is getting a global prominence while maintaining its regional power in all corners of Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Coincidently, China is moving towards being a democracy in the past three decades.

Many will not live longer to see China after 20 to 40 years but every signs show that China will have a huge impact on the regional and world politics and economics given its current growth.

But if there is one thing that we all feel and experience as far as China is concerned then it’s the China’s presence in our kitchen, living rooms, dining tables and even the clothes we wear, ‘the China made products’.

Let me put it on record that “China made products” are of good quality and very cheap, giving us a choice.

Last year, Washington had a diplomatic stand-off with Beijing over “China made toys”. Only last month, Tokyo had the stand-off with Beijing over the alleged dumpling poisoning (food) exported to Japan.

America apologized after finding out that there were no fault with the toys.

Tokyo did a thorough investigation with the help from Beijing for possible food poisoning but to no avail, bringing back a likely diplomatic stand-off on track.

In PNG, we had the “tooth paste saga”. Unfortunately, our scientific capability is below standard and samples have been sent overseas for investigation.

But the local media have already tarnished Beijing’s reputation over the “tooth paste issue” like what American media did to China toys. America apologized later but PNG has not and this is an outstanding issue.

PNG government must build its scientific research institutions that can cater for any experiments, like in the case of “tooth paste” so that the finding is independent and credible.

We can not trust any results provided by overseas laboratories that have the opportunity to manipulate the findings for various reasons. Our educational institutions and scientist are capable to carry out experiments if more funds are allocated.

China made products, both soft and hard wares have penetrated almost all the countries, both big and small.

Some see China’s growth as a threat, few see as an opportunity but many will definitely appreciate when they benefit from what China is providing.

Coupled with its “global” presence in all forms and size, many see China as a “threat”. Scholars watch closely China’s rapid economic growth and predict that this pose serious threat in world peace.

“China’s fall a threat” is the line most scholars and commentators ignore in their arguments.

Since opening up three decades ago, China has developed its economy impressively. This has provoked observers to conclude that “China’s rise” is a threat to both regional and world peace.

This is in line with ‘realists’ thesis that a rising power will stimulate rivalry in power politics, definitely against U.S.A. Even American policy makers see China as a threat and propose for “engagement” and “containment” policies.

However, Asian scholars argue that “China’s rise is a peaceful rise”.

Scholar Samuel Kim in his article “Chinese Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice” sets out clearly the notion of China’s threat given its economic growth.

“For good or otherwise, Beijing managed to capture global prime time, with a “rise of China” chorus in the global marketplace turning into the “rise of China threat” debate in the Asia Pacific region in general and United States in particular.”

Kim further imply that the fall of former Soviet Union that now reveals China as a growing power, with the potential to challenge the only hegemony, United States. China with its vast land mass and 1.3 billion people and double digit economic growth might seem a potential threat to America.

Scholars have also promoted the notion of “China’s rise is a threat”. Existing literature and journalistic works are overwhelming.

Economic development is inevitable when technological know how is at its advantage stages. The French revolution, pax-Britannica, and pax-America have shown that when human knowledge is extended, follows forthwith is the tangible economic developments.

For China’s last three decades of impressive economic growth is understandably an inevitable growth given its mobility from being a developing country to its current stages.

For Kim to depict that China’s rise is a threat to the world is unfounded and no theoretical framework has been established to explain his hypothesis. Kim failed in his analysis to state as to what will happen if China “falls” from its current economic growth.

No scholar or even an existing literature states that “China’s fall is a threat” to world peace.

If China collapses now, imagine what would happen to the 1.3 billion people.

The country would shake my humble prediction. But that’s not what we want to see happening in China.

So, what Kim and others predict that “China’s rise is a threat” is a non issue. Instead, they should look on the other side of the coin where “China’s fall is a threat”.

Scholar Brantly Womack in his “China between region and World” rightly states that, “China is arguably the country most difficult to understand, and the country most important to interpret correctly.

The difficulty derives primarily from great disparities of situation – history, culture and politics.” China’s history goes back 5,000 years and when there is a history, culture accompanies it. Politics is an inbuilt characteristic of humanity.

So, can we say that for one to rightly understand China’s foreign policy, he must be well versed with China’s 5,000 years old history? The answer is both yes, and no, depending on the issue at hand.

Given China’s prominence and strength, it is a single state, a regional power and a global presence.

China is not actually a global power but its presence globally can be felt, but definitely it’s a regional power and a “central kingdom”. Given these, Kim rightly states that elites in China draw their foreign policy by looking at domestic sources.

Likewise, policy specialists are human beings by nature and consider their domestic polity.

Where then “international polity” comes in. Again for China as a “global presence” given its economic strength and being the member of the Security Council, China remains a responsible stake holder and its foreign policy should responsibly made.

Let me state that China is unlikely to become a “global power” in the foreseeable future but definitely, its “global presence” is of significance to other states.

Womack concluded by saying that China is a clear “Central Kingdom” and is still a center, though not the center of the world.

But he failed to mention the fact that the “Central Kingdom” will collapse or get into conflict with other countries if its foreign policies are not handled diplomatically, especially in “China rise threat” theory.

Globalization is a form of institutionalized dependency and every country do depend on each others.

China has the largest market in America and thus, diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing is of paramount importance.

Diplomatic relations between Port Moresby and Beijing is also important and indeed it is necessary.

This is not Beijing’s “soft power diplomacy” as stated by Womack. For the developing countries, this is necessary because China has a lot to offer.

In Womack’s words, “China’s external power is “soft” in the sense that it can persuade other states to cooperate on mutually beneficial objectives, but it can not force them to comply with China’s wishes. This is in line with China’s current foreign policy, “win-win” diplomacy and “non-interference” policy.

Beijing does not interfere in one country’s sovereignty. However, USA, Australia, Britain and other countries blame Beijing for not playing its aid diplomacy by the existing rules.

But “soft power” is properly accommodated when China and other countries mutually accept any negotiation.

Realists say that China’s rise will promote rivalry, but idealists say that China’s rise would promote peace and harmony, as international norm’s and values are accommodated.

China is a responsible state. After becoming the member of the World Trade Organization, it made sure all China made products are globally accepted.

Politically, China has taken a leading role on many regional and international issues like the ongoing Six Party Talks regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, implementation of Kyoto Protocol and settling the Darfur crises.

Militarily, China has contributed its forces to the war torn region through the UN Peace Keeping Force and conducted joint military exercise to curb any global threats.

Thus, China promotes peace globally, is willing to help the developing countries in the region while rescuing its 1.3 billion people out from poverty.

For USA to blame China for its alleged substandard toys is a joke when every families in America look forward to buying Chinese made toys for their children as present.

China’s dumpling to Japan is not only cheap and ready prepared but delicious. And who goes to work without brushing his teeth?

From toy to dumpling and the tooth paste, these issues have the potential for a possible diplomatic stand-off.

But interesting enough, China’s economic growth has provided enormous opportunities around the world, thus, “dragons’ rise is peaceful”.

NB: The writer is a PNG student studying in China

25th July, 2008

China in the Pacific: The Implication for Washington

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun

BEIJING is amongst other major external powers in the Pacific Island region. Others include United States, Australia, New Zealand, France, Britain and Japan.

Given China’s presence, many scholars, unfortunately from the West continuously accuse China for trying to explore resources, by comparing Island countries to Africa.

But China’s whatever interest it may be in the Pacific, will it have any political, economic and strategic implication on Washington and what will be the new U.S. President to be elect’s attitude towards Beijing’s presence in the Pacific.

Also, the President to be elected Nov. 4 2008 will continue with Bush Administration’s 2007 “re-engagement” policy with the region, and what will be his goal? Will he work along with Beijing, and other regional powers as developmental partners, or we will see another “cold war” rivalry?

In 2008, the Bush Administration pledged to “re-engage” with the region and declared 2007 the “Year of the Pacific”.

Among the main topics, aims, and initiatives under discussion at the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders held in Washington , DC, in March 2007: expanding U.S. public diplomacy efforts and foreign aid activities, strengthening US-Pacific trade and preferential trade programs for the Pacific island countries, address global warming and other environmental concerns in the region, and enhancing educational and cultural exchanges.

Many scholars think that the “re-engagement” by US is due to China’s heightened regional profile, which has been generally welcomed by local leaders but regarded with suspecision by Western commentators protective of an area long regarded as America’s backyard.

However, there is no indication that Western neglect has facilitated China’s rise in the hemisphere, nor that Beijing intends to challenge U.S. leadership in the region.

It is unlikely that U.S. neglect or pre-occupation with other parts of the world have made Oceania vulnerable to China’s increased influence.

China has a growing interest in the resources of the region, particularly gas and minerals in Papua New Guinea. That happens with any countries around the world.

However, China’s presence is also to gain support of island states on a range of political issues, most notably its ongoing efforts to isolate Taiwan.

China, thus, goes to the pacific with its “soft loan” with no strings attached, as opposed to other loans from Western countries with strings attached, mostly takes longer period to approve.

For China, loans and assistance are given after short meetings or discussions, humbly welcomed by the island leaders, given their desperate economies.

This makes Western countries to accuse Beijing for corrupting the Pacific island countries for its “dollar diplomacy” when not playing by the established rules.

Many scholars have associated the 2006 up rise against the people of Asian origin in Solomon Islands to Beijing and Taiwan’s “dollar diplomacy” that allegedly influenced the domestic politics. But there is no evidence that China has singled out Oceania for special attention.

China was part of the allied powers during the Cold War period to prevent communism from spreading to the region.

America, then left the Oceania under the guise of Canberra, New Zealand, Britain and other partners after the collapse of former Soviet Union, suspended all its programs and even embassies.

Canberra and New Zealand with few other allies became Washington’s “eyes and ears”. These countries also engaged in many developmental and economic programs that were left isolated by Washington.

But the Island leaders recently showed the Western powers that they have other options, to “look north” to China. Papua New Guinea and Fiji with other Pacific Island countries now recognize the “one china policy”.

This is in line with Beijing’s attempt to isolate Taiwan. But although China’s rise disturbs a situation where a small number of allied powers exercise an enormous amount of regional influence, all of these regional actors have growing entanglements with China – and compelling reasons to avoid confrontation. USA is no exception.

Beijing stands apart from this consortium of donors, offering support but asking little beyond recognition of “One China” policy.

USA and other Western powers have no option but to accept, barring significant setbacks, China is in the Pacific to stay.

They can do little but urge Beijing to play by the rules they have established and enforced for decades. It may be USA and its allies in the region rather than China that ultimately have to compromise.

The Oceania does not pose any threat to democracy or American values, as in Iraq and Afghanistan, and allegedly Iran and North Korea.

Pacific Island leaders want peace, harmony and economic prosperity on the bases of good governance and accountability. The island countries perhaps need a regional leader to lead towards common economic prosperity then lead for its self interest.

When U.S. pulled out all its programs after the Cold War, New Zealand, Australia, Britain and other Western powers worked along with the regional governments. But since then, no tangible developments have been achieved. Few we see today are replica of neo-colonialism.

Today, economic indicators show that no improved economic progresses have been made. All seen today are half decaying buildings and infrastructures of colonial “masters”, especially Australia.

On the other hand, China is not a new comer in the Pacific. Chinese were in the Pacific, example, Papua New Guinea during the colonial period, or even before. But China’s presence today provides an option to the Island countries as a developing country itself.

Beijing’s initiative has been welcomed by the pacific leaders. Prime Ministers and leaders from Island countries who recognize the “One China” policy make their first state visit to Beijing then their traditional partners like USA, Australia, New Zealand and Britain. Beijing welcomes them with a red carpet treatment.

The 2007 “Year of the Pacific” declared by the Bush Administration has sent a signal throughout the region, particularly to Beijing because of the allegation that Beijing’s presence in the Pacific was closely monitored by Washington.

This is a clear indication of America’s attempt to “contain” China’s expansion in the region, a bold “cold war” mentality in this century.

Conclusively, this will be treated as the second Cold War between the largest remaining communist state and the world’s most powerful nation. At the end, the Pacific Island countries suffer economically, because such rival is for their own interest, as seen during the Cold war period between USA and former USSR.

Obama and Clinton are liberal, in the sense that they both disagree with Washington’s military engagement in Iraq.

Fair enough because Bush declared victory over the Afghanistan war but still got stuck in there. For how long? Obama and Clinton, who gets the top post then, can decide.

But mind you, a complete withdrawal is not a solution, but a disaster to the people there, that USA initially proclaimed to liberate.

The result of USA being in Iraq and Afghanistan is the result of unilateral approach, a typical realist mentality. A lesson for Obama and Clinton to learn.

That's in Iraq, where oil is the prime target for USA, as opposed to humanitarian liberation. In the Pacific, what does USA want, when Bush made known his 2007 “re-engagement policy”?

This will be made, even clearer when either Obama or Clinton becomes the President of United States in this years (2008) election.

America’s “re-engagement” in the Pacific is both welcoming, but suspicious at the same time.

For what ever reasons, Pacific Island leaders will work with a liberal President, then a realist. Definitely, not another George Bush, both the son and father.

In the Pacific, USA should come as a development partner, and not to “contain” China, because Island leaders know who is genuine. They are not new in regional and world politics.

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.