Tribal bloodshed shines spotlight on strategically vital Papua New Guinea’s domestic security issues

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A tribal clash in Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands in which more than 20 people were shot dead has put a growing internal security problem under the microscope in the strategically vital South Pacific island nation that has garnered closer military attention from the United States and China. The rival powers are increasingly keen on striking security pacts with the developing nation whose international significance has grown in tandem with China’s increased regional influence.