Barker warns PNG not to become a pawn in agreements with China

National

PAPUA New Guinea needs to be careful with engagement with superpowers and avoid becoming a pawn in a bigger engagement, says Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker.
Commenting on the recent visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the country, Barker said it was better to put agreements on hold especially when the country was going through an election process.
“In the last days of a government, during the process of an election, it is much better to put agreements on hold, although meetings with leaders and officials can still be held, but probably seek to limit them,” Barker told The National.
“For democratic countries, as well as for all countries, the concept of proposed agreements on any issues, should be subject to extensive discussion within Cabinet, before Parliament to ratify them and within the public arena.
“Wide dialogue helps ensure better outcomes and avoid negative outcomes that the country (and its neighbours) may regret.
“All these agreements signed both in PNG and across the Pacific during the Chinese foreign Minister’s regional tour appear to have been largely hidden or discreet, with the contents undisclosed to the media and the public.
“This isn’t in the best interest of the country, even if the contents of some of the agreements might prove innocuous or quite valuable.
“Openness in financial matters, in security and other commitments, results in trust and forms part of the critical social contract between the State and its citizenry.
“Secretiveness, invariably breeds suspicion, and opens opportunities for poor resource planning.”