Melanesian Self-Reliance Discourses and Chinese Investment: The Ramu Nickel Mine in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

AbstractThis work analyzes how Papuan/Melanesian narratives of self-reliance in an era of decolonization in Oceania rationalize and contest Chinese investments in the state and civil society domains. The case study shows that both supporters and opponents of Chinese investment at the Ramu Nickel Mine in Papua New Guinea build their claims around self-reliance. The state actors present Chinese investment as an alternative to and autonomy from Papua New Guinea’s traditional donor, Australia. In contrast, the civil society demonstrates agency by rejecting China’s “neo-colonial” attitude towards local natural resources. These self-reliance discourses translate into different practical outcomes. For example, Chinese financing enables the state to demonstrate new assertiveness regionally and on the global stage, especially regarding critical issues, such as the climate crisis. On the other hand, civil society makes modest gains from Chinese companies, which indicates that in the future Chinese interventions will be forced to consider local interests more carefully and negotiate with sub-state actors. Tensions in responses to Chinese investment from the civil society and the state not only reveal different visions of the future for Papua New Guinea but also translate into conceivable patterns across the Oceania region as China increases its aid and investment presence.KeywordsPapua New GuineaChinese investmentNatural resourcesSelf-relianceSub-state actors