Marape acknowledged that PNG recognises the sovereign right of nations to act within the bounds of international law, though he insisted the Pacific exists to support life rather than serve as a rehearsal space for conflict.

"Our Pacific is an Ocean of Peace," he said, tying the phrase to the shared outlook long held by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum through their Blue Pacific Continent vision.

Having held the office of Prime Minister without interruption since 2019, Marape noted that the burden of past wars, nuclear testing, and foreign military operations still weighs on Pacific nations today.

"Our region has lived through war, nuclear testing and military activities imposed upon us by larger powers. We do not want history repeated," he said.

He urged that Pacific waters be kept completely clear of harmful weapons trials and arsenal testing, whether such activity comes from the air, the sea, or land.

Beyond the security concerns, the Prime Minister flagged the ocean's importance as a major absorber of global carbon emissions and as home to marine biodiversity that supports fishing industries feeding populations worldwide.

Marape's public statement arrives as Port Moresby carefully manages its foreign relations, with this year marking half a century of diplomatic ties between PNG and China since they were established in 1976.

He reaffirmed that PNG remains firm in its support for the One China Policy, framing the bilateral relationship as authentic and grounded in mutual respect — though he was firm about drawing a line on military escalation in the region's waters.

"It is in that same spirit of friendship that I respectfully appeal to our Chinese friends that this be the last such missile test conducted in Pacific waters," Marape said.

He stressed the message was not meant for Beijing exclusively, saying it holds equally for any nation possessing advanced military strength.

"It applies equally to the United States, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and every nation with military capability," Marape said. "If you respect the Pacific and its people, then please respect our ocean. We ask all major powers to refrain from using Pacific waters for missile testing, military weapons trials or any activity that contributes to conflict or militarisation."

Marape said his government would communicate these concerns directly to Chinese leadership via diplomatic channels, continuing to push the "Ocean of Peace" stance with all of PNG's international partners.

Headlines

• PNG joins world in congratulating US on 250 years of nationhood
• RPNGC Awareness Team Tours West Sepik in Search of Next Generation of Officers
• PNG appoints Dr Nicole Haley as Electoral Commissioner
• PNG Seeks K70 Million to Step Up El Niño Preparedness

He noted that America’s long-standing status as a global democratic leader has left a lasting imprint on international peace efforts, security cooperation and economic advancement.
“For 250 years, the United States has stood as one of the world’s leading democracies, making significant contributions to global peace, security, innovation and economic development. Its remarkable journey continues to inspire nations, including Papua New Guinea, as we pursue our own aspirations for growth and prosperity,” he said.
Turning to bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea holds its relationship with the United States in high regard, describing it as one built upon shared democratic principles, mutual respect and a joint commitment to regional peace and prosperity.
He noted that the friendship between the two nations stretches back to World War II, a period during which Papua New Guineans and Americans fought alongside one another in what remains one of history’s defining chapters.
“Today, that relationship continues to grow through cooperation in defence, trade and investment, health, education, energy, disaster response and people-to-people exchanges,” PM Marape said.

Headlines
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• RPNGC Awareness Team Tours West Sepik in Search of Next Generation of Officers
• PNG appoints Dr Nicole Haley as Electoral Commissioner
• PNG Seeks K70 Million to Step Up El Niño Preparedness
• PNG Benefits as Chinese Firms Expand Investments Across Key Industries

Young men and women across West Sepik Province are being given a rare opportunity to apply for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in person, as a recruitment awareness team tours rural districts to walk applicants through the online lodgement system step by step.
To date, the initiative has recorded 13 successful applicants from Lumi District and 17 from Nuku District, all of whom met the baseline entry requirements and lodged their applications online with the help of the visiting team.

The team is presently stationed at Don Bosco Secondary School in Vanimo and is expected to relocate to Wewak tomorrow, with Aitape and Telefomin next on the schedule as the tour continues into next week.
Speaking on behalf of the recruitment team, Sergeant Pati Namora said the constabulary is aiming to fill nearly 700 positions nationwide this year, drawing recruits from both urban and rural backgrounds.
He said rural and isolated communities are being deliberately prioritised, noting that a large number of young people who would otherwise qualify for the force are being left behind purely because they lack knowledge of how the online application system operates.
Eligibility requirements state that applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old, hold a Grade 12 certificate with a minimum C grade in English and Mathematics, and stand between 160 and 175 centimetres in height.
On documentation, applicants must provide a national identification (NID) card, or alternatively, an NID registration number together with a birth certificate and a second valid form of identification.
Interested youths have been urged to prepare all necessary documents ahead of the team's arrival in their district.
"We are deliberately targeting rural and isolated communities because many eligible candidates miss out simply due to a lack of awareness regarding the online application system," Sgt Namora said.

Papua New Guinea has appointed respected election researcher Dr Nicole Haley as the country's new Electoral Commissioner, ending weeks of public speculation over who would take charge of one of the nation's most important constitutional offices ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

Prime Minister James Marape announced the appointment yesterday, saying Dr Haley will serve a four-year term and lead the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls. He said the appointment brings extensive experience and independent expertise at a crucial time for the country's electoral system.

Mr Marape said Dr Haley's longstanding work on Papua New Guinea's electoral processes made her well suited to guide the commission through the challenges of preparing for the next national election.

Dr Haley, an Australian national, is a Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University and has spent more than three decades researching Papua New Guinea's politics and governance. Her work has focused on election administration, electoral systems, political participation, women's representation and electoral integrity.

She has contributed to major election observation reports and studies, including the 2007 and 2017 National General Elections, and has undertaken extensive research into the operational and administrative challenges surrounding elections across Papua New Guinea.

The Prime Minister said her understanding of the country's electoral history and the practical issues affecting elections would strengthen preparations for the 2027 National General Election.

He said the appointment followed a bipartisan and transparent recruitment process involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader James Nomane, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections.

According to Mr Marape, the committee assessed all applications received for the position before shortlisting leading candidates and conducting comprehensive interviews to identify the most suitable person to lead the Electoral Commission.

He said committee members were satisfied that Dr Haley demonstrated practical strategies to strengthen the independence of the Electoral Commission and improve public confidence in the electoral process.

Mr Marape also acknowledged Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi for her service during the recruitment process and thanked her for assisting with the transition.

He called on Electoral Commission officers across the country to work closely with Dr Haley and begin preparations for the 2027 National General Election without delay.

"Dr. Haley has studied our elections for many years. She understands both the strengths and weaknesses of our electoral system, including the challenges that have affected the integrity of elections over time. She has written and published extensively on PNG elections and understands the complexities of the electoral process, from the common roll, polling, counting, and declaration of results to election security, administration, and voter participation. Her expertise will be a significant asset as we work to strengthen our electoral processes and ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2027," Mr Marape said.

"We undertook an extensive assessment of each shortlisted candidate, including detailed discussions on how they would establish an impartial Electoral Commission for the 2027 National General Election and prepare the country to deliver a free, fair, and credible election despite the current challenges.

"The Committee, including the Opposition Leader, was satisfied that Dr. Nicole Haley demonstrated clear, practical, and achievable strategies for delivering a transparent and inclusive election in which all Papua New Guineans can participate with confidence."

"The appointment process is complete. The work must now begin. I will engage with Dr Haley and EC management in the near future to ensure that the Government, Parliament, public service, security agencies, provinces and districts all play their part in delivering an election that Papua New Guineans can trust."

"This is not about Government or Opposition. It is about Papua New Guinea, our Constitution and the future of our Democracy."

Headlines

• PNG Seeks K70 Million to Step Up El Niño Preparedness
• PNG Benefits as Chinese Firms Expand Investments Across Key Industries
• ​'Surrender or Be Arrested': PNG's Enga Commander Warns Armed Offenders
• PNG Niusky Board Commits to Safer Skies Through Network Modernisation
  

Papua New Guinea is seeking K70 million from the National Executive Council to strengthen its response to the El Niño weather event, as authorities race to prepare for worsening dry conditions expected later this year. The funding proposal comes amid growing concern that critical government agencies lack the resources needed to monitor and respond effectively.
With the climate pattern already affecting parts of PNG, government departments responsible for weather forecasting and disaster preparedness have joined forces to coordinate response measures. Officials say immediate financial support is essential to ensure monitoring, assessments and recovery planning continue in the months ahead.

National Weather Service Director Jimmy Gomoga told media that his agency alone requires an additional K5 million to carry out its responsibilities during the El Niño period.He said preparations should have been well underway after El Niño was declared several years ago, but repeated appeals for funding and early intervention were not acted upon.
​
The weather pattern began taking hold in April, raising fresh uncertainty over the extent of its impact across the country in the coming months.
Mr Gomoga said the additional allocation would enable the National Weather Service to continue climate monitoring, conduct assessments and support recovery activities where necessary.
Limited funding has continued to hamper the agency's operations, particularly as demand for weather information increases during the current conditions.
The National Weather Service has also experienced a reduction in its annual budget, dropping from K5.4 million last year to K3.9 million this year.
With about four months remaining before El Niño is expected to reach its peak, officials say progress on preparedness measures will largely depend on approval of the K70 million funding submission.
"Funding will be used for monitoring, assessments and recovery efforts."

Headlines

• PNG Benefits as Chinese Firms Expand Investments Across Key Industries
• ​'Surrender or Be Arrested': PNG's Enga Commander Warns Armed Offenders
• PNG Niusky Board Commits to Safer Skies Through Network Modernisation
• PNG on high alert as El Niño declaration triggers drought response

More than 10,000 Papua New Guineans have secured direct employment through Chinese-owned businesses operating in PNG, as investment from China continues to spread across vital sectors of the economy, Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang says.

He said the growing level of Chinese business activity reflected stronger economic ties between the two countries, with companies investing in projects ranging from energy and infrastructure to agriculture, telecommunications and mining.

Yang said Chinese investors had played a role in delivering several major developments, including the Edevu hydropower project, the Napa Napa solar power project and the Noble Centre.

He said the expanding number of Chinese companies operating in Papua New Guinea had also created many additional jobs through supporting industries beyond the workforce directly employed by the businesses.

The ambassador said Chinese enterprises continued to uphold legal and ethical business standards while supporting economic growth and community development throughout the country.

Yang also described the China-PNG Business Roundtable in Guangdong as productive, with more than 250 companies from both nations taking part. The meeting followed the signing of an enhanced economic partnership framework agreement between China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and PNG International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru.

He said trade between the two countries had remained steady at about US$4 billion annually, equivalent to around K17.6 billion, with Papua New Guinea continuing to enjoy a favourable trade balance. Yang added that China was preparing to welcome Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation during the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting later this year.

"Chinese businesses have invested in and constructed projects such as the Edevu hydropower and the Napa Napa solar power project."

"These companies have directly employed more than 10,000 PNG staff and the number of indirect jobs created are much more."

"China is ready to welcome Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation when they attend the APEC economic leaders' meeting in November."

Headlines

• PNG on high alert as El Niño declaration triggers drought response
• ​Don Polye Walks Free After Court Dismisses Corruption Case
• Kumul Haus to Reshape PNG Government Business Hub in Port Moresby
• PNG Police Refuse Bail for 20 CS Officers After Armed Standoff
  

"The only conversation with you is about how you want to come into custody," he said.

He reaffirmed that the justice system applied equally to all Papua New Guineans and should not be replaced by customary compensation when lives have been lost.

Chief Insp Harris said the law protected every citizen, regardless of education, wealth or social status, and that his command would ensure communities received justice instead of compensation for violent crimes.

He said the latest weekend patrols were part of a continuing intelligence-driven operation aimed at disrupting criminal activity before it developed into larger security threats.

Security personnel from Kumul 23, the Police Mobile Squad and the PNG Defence Force have been conducting coordinated patrols targeting illegal firearms and individuals linked to violent offences.

Chief Insp Harris said the current operation reflected modern policing methods focused on intelligence gathering, preventing crime and restricting the movement of offenders rather than simply responding after incidents occur.

He warned that those carrying illegal weapons, organising attacks or providing shelter to criminals would be dealt with under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.

Upper Highlands Special Operations Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said Kumul 23 had been created to operate in dangerous environments where standard policing resources were insufficient. He added that officers were well trained, equipped with reliable intelligence and fully aware of the identities of individuals responsible for inciting violence.

Headlines
​

• PNG on high alert as El Niño declaration triggers drought response
• ​Don Polye Walks Free After Court Dismisses Corruption Case
• Kumul Haus to Reshape PNG Government Business Hub in Port Moresby

Papua New Guinea's aviation sector is entering another stage of infrastructure renewal after Niusky Pacific Limited unveiled a new board that has pledged to strengthen the country's air navigation systems through modern technology and upgraded communications.The newly appointed directors were officially sworn in in Port Moresby last week, with board chairman Jackson Kiakari promising continued investment in digital air traffic services supported by stronger nationwide connectivity and reliable energy systems.
Mr Kiakari now leads the board alongside deputy chairman Kaime Kipi, while Jacinta Waine and Nelson Hwekwahin serve as ex-officio directors. They replace the previous board chaired by Robin Kawat.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Kiakari said the board would work closely with management to ensure the organisation continued meeting its responsibilities while maintaining high standards of governance and service delivery.He said the company remained committed to providing modern aviation services supported by digital towers, resilient communications infrastructure and dependable electricity supply.
Executive Manager Business Support Paul Dopsie revealed that Niusky has already begun rolling out a high-capacity fibre optic communications network linking key aviation centres in Nadzab, Mount Hagen, Tokua, Goroka and Madang.
According to Mr Dopsie, the project will strengthen the national aviation communications backbone while supporting safer aircraft operations throughout the country.
He said recent achievements also included securing A$22.5 million, equivalent to about K65.5 million, under the Transport Sector Support Programme for infrastructure development.
Niusky also received direct Government investment through the Public Investment Programme, with K8 million allocated during 2025 and another K6 million appropriated in the 2026 National Budget.
The organisation also improved its financial performance after introducing US-dollar billing for international aviation customers, helping offset foreign exchange losses while lifting annual revenue by more than 20 per cent during 2025.
Aircraft traffic also continued to increase, with more than 241,000 movements safely managed across PNG during the year.
"The aim is to strengthen the backbone of our national air navigation system.
Safety is our first and non-negotiable priority.
The outgoing managing director and his management team secured A$22.5 million (about K65.5 million) in development funding under the Transport Sector Support Programme, opening a new phase of infrastructure renewal and for the first time secured Government funding through the PIP programme — K8 million in 2025 and K6 million in the 2026 budget appropriations.
The move to US-dollar billing for our international customers shielded the company from foreign-exchange erosion or loss and helped drive revenue growth of more than twenty per cent year-on-year by the close of 2025.
Operationally, we safely managed more than 241,000 aircraft movements in 2025, more than the year before," Mr Dopsie said.

Headlines
​

• PNG on high alert as El Niño declaration triggers drought response
• ​Don Polye Walks Free After Court Dismisses Corruption Case
• Kumul Haus to Reshape PNG Government Business Hub in Port Moresby
• PNG Police Refuse Bail for 20 CS Officers After Armed Standoff

He explained that El Niño develops over an extended period and is not considered an immediate disaster, but its effects on agriculture, water availability and rural livelihoods demand an organised national response.

Teams have already been sent to assess conditions in the Highlands, where authorities had earlier raised the alert level before the weather declaration was made official. Provincial administrations are expected to submit detailed assessments to assist the national response.
Southern Highlands and Western Highlands remain among the areas reporting the greatest impact, with widespread frost destroying subsistence gardens and cash crops that many families depend on.
Mr Mana said emergency funding has not yet been approved, with a submission currently before the National Executive Council. While waiting for that decision, the National Disaster Centre is working alongside United Nations agencies, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the National Weather Service to strengthen food and water security as provincial contingency plans are put into action.
"Each province has their own provincial systems and they have their provincial emergency operations centers as well. At the national level, we will be coordinating especially food and water security here."
"We are working with all United Nations (UN) agencies, as they are part of the National Emergency Operations Centre."

Headlines

• Don Polye Walks Free After Court Dismisses Corruption Case
• Kumul Haus to Reshape PNG Government Business Hub in Port Moresby
• PNG Police Refuse Bail for 20 CS Officers After Armed Standoff
• Ruling PANGU Party Highlights Seven Years of Government Delivery
  

Magistrate Paul Nii struck out three charges — official corruption, conspiracy to defeat justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The prosecution's case stemmed from claims relating to procurement processes and contracts involving the PNG Sports Foundation.

During court proceedings, the defence challenged the legal basis of the charges and argued that investigators had incorrectly applied sections of the law.

Defence lawyer Edward Sasingian later said ICAC had pursued the matter under provisions that did not properly apply to the circumstances involving his client.

According to the defence, the prosecution was unable to establish the legal elements required to support the allegations against the former minister.

Following the ruling, Mr Polye expressed gratitude for the court's decision and described it as a turning point after years of uncertainty.

“This decision lifts the dark cloud that has been hanging over me and clears my name.”

Headlines
​

• Kumul Haus to Reshape PNG Government Business Hub in Port Moresby
• PNG Police Refuse Bail for 20 CS Officers After Armed Standoff
• Ruling PANGU Party Highlights Seven Years of Government Delivery