Pacific countries in the centre of a geopolitical tug-of-war between China and the US and its allies face a big decision this week
, stoking the worst fears of Canberra and Washington, which have long been on the lookout for signs that China might establish a military base in the Pacific islands.but a draft of which was leaked online
But the Solomons-China deal was just the beginning. Shortly after news of Wang’s grand Pacific tour was announced, came the news of the proposed region-wide security deal. “[China] has been slowly increasing its diplomatic, economic engagement in the Pacific,” said Carter. “But now with Solomon Islands, it opened a door to another possibility in terms of engagement with China.” Once the door was open, said Carter, the move for China from economic and development partner to security player in the region happened “in a very fast and rapid manner”.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China and Australia’s diplomatic tactics collide in the PacificBeijing, targeted by the Quad and AUKUS, distrusted by NATO, suspicious of ASEAN, and rejected by the G7, has made an art form of wooing individual states. auspol
Read more »
Deal proposed by China would dramatically expand security influence in PacificLeaked copy of draft shows Beijing wants more involvement in policing, cybersecurity and marine mapping
Read more »
Penny Wong tells Pacific nations ‘we have heard you’ as Australia and China battle for influenceForeign minister uses speech in Fiji to declare ‘this is a different Australian government’ that will act responsibly on climate change
Read more »
'We are listening': Penny Wong extends olive branch to Pacific nations as China loomsNewly appointed foreign minister Penny Wong has told leaders in Fiji that Australia is an open and willing security partner as concerns grow over the influence of China in the region.
Read more »
China eyes next Pacific target, says opposition ‘doomed to fail’US officials continue to hold concerns about China’s plans for a two-kilometre runway on the tiny Kiribati island of Kanton halfway between the US and Asia.
Read more »
China has ‘enormous’ ambition to ‘wield influence’ across Pacific
Read more »