By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – For the third straight day, protesters in Papua New Guinea have attacked and pillaged Chinese run businesses.

On Wednesday, Chinese-owned stores were targeted in the capital city of Port Moresby. Protesters attacked more stores yesterday in Lae. On Friday morning, police intervened, sending tear gas out into the crowd to stop the riot.

The violence has led many Chinese-owned stores and nationals to hire extra police and guards to protect their shops. The Chinese embassy went so far as to encourage Chinese-owned businesses to close their businesses while the violence continues.

Local resentment of Chinese-owned businesses has grown as an increasing number of Chinese immigrants move to Papua New Guinea to start their businesses.

One unnamed youth told PNG newspaper, The National, “Who is allowing these Asians to come into our country and own small businesses which should be owned by Papua New Guineans?” He added, “They are ripping us off and investing their money in their country.”

The turmoil started after 100 anti-Chinese protesters turned a demonstration into a violent brawl. The demonstrators began looting Chinese businesses, but the police did little to stop the protest.

Port Moresby police chief, Fred Yakasa, claims that the police were not responsible for the protest. Mr. Yakasa says that the violence was due to “hooligans” and not the protesters generally.

“There is nothing to worry about, as we will continue our patrols and increase presence on the streets,” Mr. Yakasa said.

Meanwhile, in Lae, hundreds of protesters attacked Chinese nationals and Chinese-owned stores, resulting in one unconfirmed death and many serious injuries.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International – More violence in Papua New Guinea directed at Chinese businesses – 15 May 2009

The Age – Looting, attacks target Chinese in PNG -15 May 2009

ABC News – Violent stoushes close PNG mine – May 11 2009