Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea has responded to remarks by President Joe Biden, expressing dismay over implications that Papua New Guineans were cannibals.
Marape called on the U.S. to address the remnants of World War Two scattered across the Pacific, urging closure regarding missing servicemen.
Marape’s office issued a statement late Sunday, criticizing Biden’s comments regarding his missing serviceman uncle, suggesting he may have been eaten by cannibals after his plane went down over Papua New Guinea during WWII. Marape emphasized that such labeling was unwarranted for his nation.
Acknowledging that Biden’s remarks may have been unintentional, Marape urged the White House to take action to clear the remnants of WWII. This would enable a clearer understanding of the fate of missing servicemen like Ambrose Finnegan.
The incident occurred amidst strategic competition in the region between the U.S. and China, with Papua New Guinea signing a defense cooperation agreement with the U.S. last year.
China seeks to strengthen economic ties with Papua New Guinea, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit to commemorate WWII history.
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are still plagued by wartime remnants, including human remains, plane wrecks, and leftover bombs, posing a danger to locals.
Marape emphasized that his nation was needlessly dragged into a conflict not of their making, highlighting the sensitivity of wartime history among Pacific Islanders.
