President Joe Biden’s recent remarks about his uncle’s World War II plane crash have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the portrayal of Papua New Guinea. During a visit to a war memorial in Pennsylvania, President Biden shared a story about his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, who died in a plane crash near New Guinea. However, his comments, particularly the suggestion that his uncle was eaten by cannibals, have drawn sharp criticism, notably from Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape.
While President Biden’s comments may have been a slip of the tongue, Prime Minister Marape emphasized that Papua New Guinea does not deserve to be labeled in such a way. He has used this opportunity to shed light on the lingering effects of World War II in the region, including the presence of unexploded ordnance and military wreckage.
Marape has called for attention to the cleanup of World War II remains in Papua New Guinea, highlighting the need to address the truth about missing servicemen like Ambrose Finnegan. Despite the concerns raised by his comments, Marape has indicated that the broader bilateral relations with the U.S. remain strong, emphasizing the deeper values in the relationship.
The controversy comes at a time when the U.S. and its allies are vying for influence in the region, particularly in light of recent developments such as the Solomon Islands signing a security accord with Beijing. With geopolitical maneuvering in the Pacific, there is growing interest in the region from major powers like China and the U.S.
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