Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, expressed his disappointment with Joe Biden’s remarks, which seemed to suggest that the president’s uncle had been consumed by cannibals during World War II.
China’s increasing influence in the region has been met with offense from a key strategic ally, as Biden’s comments seemed to have caused a rift between the two countries.
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Last week, the president delivered a heartfelt speech at a war memorial in Pennsylvania. During his address, he shared the inspiring story of his uncle, Second Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr., who served in the Army Air Corps. Tragically, Lt. Finnegan was shot down over Papua New Guinea, a region that witnessed intense battles during the war.
“There was no body ever found because, as it turns out, there were quite a few actual cannibals in that particular region of New Guinea,” Biden explained, alluding to the island’s main territory.
In a statement on Sunday, Marape expressed his belief that Biden seemed to suggest that his uncle had been consumed by cannibals.
In a statement provided by his office to The Associated Press on Monday, Marape expressed his disagreement with President Biden’s remarks, considering them as a slip of the tongue. However, he firmly stated that his country does not deserve to be labeled in such a manner.
According to Marape, World War II was not caused by his people. However, they were unnecessarily pulled into a conflict that they had no part in.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commenced a visit to Papua New Guinea, which is Australia’s closest neighbor. During the visit, Albanese and Marape will honor the robust defense connections between the two nations by embarking on a walk along a significant battleground called the Kokoda Track later this week.
Before departing Australia, Albanese expressed his utmost confidence in the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia. He emphasized that their defense and security ties have reached an unprecedented level of strength.
On Friday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, emphasized that President Biden was acknowledging the courage demonstrated by his uncle and numerous members of the U.S. military who risked their lives.
“He considers this matter with great seriousness. According to her, her uncle, who had served and protected the country, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. And that should hold significant importance,” she expressed.
According to a Pentagon report, Biden’s claim that Finnegan’s plane was shot down is not backed by military records. The report states that Finnegan was actually a passenger on a Douglas A-20 Havoc transport plane that crashed into the ocean on May 14, 1944, after experiencing engine failure.
Marape urged the United States to locate and retrieve the remains of its fallen soldiers in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He also appealed for the cleanup of war debris left behind.
According to the speaker, it might be appropriate for the United States to search for the remains of World War II in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including those of servicemen like Ambrose Finnegan, considering President Biden’s remarks and the significant response from PNG and other nations.
According to Marape, the theaters of war in PNG and Solomon Islands are filled with remnants from WWII, including human remains, plane wrecks, ship wrecks, tunnels, and bombs. He emphasizes that the people in these areas live with the constant fear of being killed by detonated WWII bombs.
