The South Pacific has traditionally been considered a quiet and secure backyard
The South Pacific has traditionally been considered a quiet and secure backyard for Australia. However, recent developments have introduced new dynamics. A remarkable case is the 2022 security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands. This is the very first agreement allowing China to deploy its security officers in a Pacific island country, which might demonstrate the growing ambition of China in this region. China’s action in the Solomon Islands, as well as other assertive diplomatic behaviour, has sparked a series of diplomatic responses from Australia and its allies, among which foreign aid is a critical tool.
Please study the China-Australia aid competition in Fiji, with a detailed investigation of documents and projects.