An immigrant minority : the adaptation of Chinese in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This study examines the adaptation of Chinese as a minority population in Papua New Guinea during the past 80 years. The analysis is focused on two general themes: how did the Chinese achieve their present economic position in Papua New Guinea, and what are the implications of their changing socio-political status in view of the developments towards political independence. Large scale immigration of Chinese to New Guinea began at the turn of this century, when skilled Chinese labourers and artisans were in demand by the European colonizers. Although the Chinese were restricted in their social and economic activities, they eventually emerged as a merchant dominated population. Their adaptation to a specific position in the Papua New Guinea environment is analyzed by delineating both the activities of the Chinese population as a whole, and the actions and decisions of individual Chinese immigrants. In analyzing Chinese modes of adaptation, this study discusses several aspects of the Chinese population: composition, settlement patterns, history, socialization processes, social, economic and political organizations, and relationships with the other ethnic groups. This analysis makes it possible for us to understand how the Chinese successfully developed commercial enterprises in Papua New Guinea and the means by which their upward social mobility was achieved. It is concluded that the success of the Chinese in adapting to a specific position in the colonial socio-economic structure has jeopardized their future in Papua New Guinea, at a time when the indigenous people are gaining political autonomy. Show more