In the early hours of April 14, 2025, a violent armed home invasion occurred in the Kokoda region of Popondetta, Papua New Guinea. Two Chinese nationals were seriously injured in the attack. One victim suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and blunt force trauma to the head from a rifle butt, resulting in critical injuries. The other sustained a severe head injury with a wound deep to the bone, requiring over ten stitches.
Following the attack, the victims’ families immediately sought assistance from the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association (CPNGFA). The Association responded swiftly, with Chairman Lin Huanong and Vice Chairman Liu Juncai promptly establishing an emergency rescue task force with clear responsibilities and rapid deployment.
Standing Committee Member Khim was tasked with coordinating hospital resources in the capital, Port Moresby, and arranging for emergency medical airlift services. Secretariat member Li Huadong mobilized the local Chinese community for blood donations. Donors included Lin Shifu, Peng Haibing, an unnamed Chinese national, Hao Yanqiang, and Li Huadong himself.
The CPNGFA Secretariat immediately notified the Chinese Medical Team stationed in Papua New Guinea. Team Leader Dr. Chen Zijun activated an emergency medical protocol and assigned Associate Chief Physician Dr. Shi Hui to stand by. Communication was initiated with PIH Hospital to ensure readiness for patient reception. Drs. Chen and Shi jointly assessed the preliminary condition of the injured and developed a treatment plan to ensure the patients would receive life-saving care within the “golden hour” upon arrival in Port Moresby.
At 1:30 p.m., the emergency medical flight successfully transported the two victims to Port Moresby Airport, where a PIH ambulance was on standby to immediately transfer them to the hospital’s emergency center. Dr. Shi Hui from the Chinese Medical Team arrived at PIH promptly for consultation.
According to Dr. Shi, one critically injured patient exhibited signs of hemorrhagic shock upon arrival—pale complexion, confusion, weak and rapid pulse, and clammy skin. Examination revealed blunt force trauma to the head but not severe enough to cause shock, leading doctors to determine that the source was internal bleeding from the abdominal gunshot wound. Head and chest CT scans were also conducted for a comprehensive assessment.
After confirming the treatment plan with PIH physicians, Dr. Shi returned to attend to the second patient with the head injury, conducting wound debridement and post-operative monitoring.
This unexpected act of violence has deeply shocked and saddened the local Chinese community. In the face of crisis, the swift coordination between the China–PNG Friendship Association and the Chinese Medical Team demonstrated the spirit of mutual support and solidarity among overseas Chinese, embodying the solemn promise that “true friendship is revealed in times of adversity.”
As of press time, the gunshot victim remains in surgery and is still unconscious.
