Biden Sparks Outrage Over Cannibalism Comment

President Joe Biden of the United States has stirred controversy with a statement implying that his uncle, who served in World War II, was eaten by cannibals in the South Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea.

CBS in the United States reported on the 22nd (local time) that James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, expressed strong displeasure at President Biden’s remarks.

During a speech at a war memorial in Pennsylvania last week, President Biden mentioned his late uncle, Lieutenant Ambrose Finnegan, who served as an Army Air Force pilot in World War II and died in service. He said, “Enemy forces attacked the plane my uncle was on and fell in Papua New Guinea,” adding, “Because there were many cannibals at the crash site, the body was never found.” President Biden’s comment sparked outrage as it insinuated that his uncle’s body was eaten by cannibals and never found.

Prime Minister Marape strongly expressed his regret at President Biden’s remarks. In a statement released on the 21st, Prime Minister Marape said, “Biden may make a mistake in his speech, but our country should not be treated this way,” and argued, “Our people did not cause World War II.” He raised his voice, saying, “There are numerous remains of fallen soldiers and damaged military aircraft and warships scattered across Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, and our people are trembling in fear every day that they may die from the explosion of unexploded bombs dropped during World War II.” He then demanded that the United States find the remains of the fallen soldiers left in the jungles of Papua New Guinea and clean up the remnants of the war.

From the U.S. perspective, Papua New Guinea is a strategic base to keep China in check as it seeks to expand its influence in the South Pacific. On the 21st, Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, met with Prime Minister Marape locally to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations.