Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has spoken out against President Joe Biden’s recent comments suggesting his missing serviceman uncle may have been eaten by cannibals in Papua New Guinea during World War Two. Marape emphasized that his nation does not deserve to be labeled as cannibals and called on the U.S. to clean up the remnants of WWII scattered across the Pacific.
Marape’s office released a statement late on Sunday addressing Biden’s remarks, stating that while they may have been a slip of the tongue, Papua New Guinea should not be unfairly characterized. Marape urged President Biden to investigate and clear up the remains of missing servicemen like Ambrose Finnegan to bring closure to their families.
The U.S. and Papua New Guinea signed a defense cooperation agreement last year amid growing competition for influence in the region, particularly with China, which has a security pact with neighboring Solomon Islands. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met with Marape to strengthen economic ties, while Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit this week to commemorate WWII history.
Historians note the strategic importance of Papua New Guinea during WWII in the United States’ efforts to liberate the Philippines, but the impact of the war remains sensitive among Pacific Islanders. Marape emphasized that his nation was unwillingly dragged into a conflict that was not of their making, and highlighted the ongoing dangers posed by wartime remnants like human remains, plane wrecks, and leftover bombs.
As tensions and historical sensitivities continue to play out in the region, Marape’s call for truth and respect in addressing the legacy of WWII in Papua New Guinea resonates with many who seek to honor the sacrifices made during the war.