Focus
Papua New Guinea
Turmoil in PNG Parliament After Opposition Fails to Unseat PM in 4th Attempt
Despite a defection of a large number of government MPs to the Opposition, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister survives four botched no confidence motions.
Casualties From PNG’s Landslide Remain Buried Under Rubble
An estimated 2,000 people remain buried under tonnes of rubble, with continuing instability hampering recovery efforts.
Death Toll From PNG Landslide Could Be as High as 2,000: Government
After initial estimates put the toll at 500, the PNG government now says it fears as many as 2,000 people have been buried, and has asked for help.
As Many as 500 Feared Dead in Papua New Guinea Landslide
Six villages have been devastated by a massive slip in a remote area of Papua New Guinea. Aid agencies and first responders are on their way to assist.
Strong Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake Rattles Papua New Guinea
There is no tsunami warning at this stage.
Musk’s Starlink Gradually Gaining Foothold in the Pacific
The broadband satellite provider still isn’t welcome in some countries, but is slowly gaining widespread acceptance.
Australian Pilot Kidnapped at Gunpoint in Papua New Guinea
The pilot and two Digicel contractors landed at a telecommunications site where they were taken at gunpoint during a scheduled stop near Mt Sisa.
Chinese Entrepreneur’s Arrest In Papua New Guinea Meth Smuggling Scheme Spotlights Transnational Organized Crime
Chinese-born Mei Lin is alleged to be at the center of a transnational crime syndicate.
ANALYSIS: Complex Web of Connections Among Woman Allegedly at Centre of Australian Drug Cartel
Mei ‘Gigi’ Lin, 41—whom the AFP alleges went by the name ‘Make it Rain’—has longstanding and complex connections with influential figures in Papua New Guinea.
Drug Cartel Paid Funds to Account in the Name of PNG’s Chief Migration Officer
Stanis Hulahau, former PNG chief migration officer, denies any knowledge of the $10,000 payment, or the visa, but has subsequently resigned.
Tribal Bloodshed Shines Spotlight on Strategically Vital Papua New Guinea’s Domestic Security Issues
ANALYSIS: What Do Closer PNG-Beijing Ties Mean for Australia?
This year has seen riots, looting and government instability in PNG. Beijing is potentially taking advantage of this climate to increase its influence.
A Strong PNG Will Help Australia Maintain Peace in the Region: Prime Minister
PNG Prime Minister James Marape addressed the Australian federal Parliament on Feb. 8.
Papua New Guinea’s PM to Visit Australian Parliament, Address Beijing’s Influence
As concerns mount about Beijing’s push into the Pacific, the visit of PNG PM James Marape further cements growing security ties between the two countries.
PNG in Talks With Beijing for the Supply of Police, Surveillance Equipment
This comes just one month after PNG signed a $200 million ‘historic’ deal with Australia.
PNG Riots Sparked by Pay Dispute Claim 15 Lives
“We have seen an unprecedented level of strife in our city, something that has never happened before in the history of our city.”
Australia Inks ‘Historic’ Security Deal With PNG to Counter Beijing
The deal will allow PNG to recruit Australian police officers to serve in the PNG police force as the Pacific island grapples with domestic security issues.
