PNG intelligence agency warns of ethnic tensions
Liam Fox, Port Moresby
Last Updated:
Papua New Guinea's spy agency says anti-Asian feelings in the community are potentially the country's most serious national security threat.
A parliamentary inquiry is investigating riots that saw Asian-owned businesses attacked and looted across PNG in May.
A confidential report prepared for the inquiry by the National Intelligence Organisation (NIO) says the riots almost plunged the country into anarchy.
It says the cause is an influx of Asian nationals, mostly Chinese, who have entered the country illegally and are running small businesses like fast-food shops.
The report says they treat local employees poorly and people resent them for operating businesses they feel should be run by Papua New Guineans.
The NIO report warns the anti-Asian sentiments could quickly degenerate into bloodshed.
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