Publication

This paper explores the US and China's changing patterns of engagement with Oceania. Key insights include 1) Australia’s political and military alliance with the US remains strong; 2) however, Canberra is also looking for closer ties with other regional partner countries as it no longer takes Washington’s regional dominance for granted; 3) New Zealand’s government is facing a similar dilemma, but it is still in the process of defining its foreign policy; and 4) China’s presence in the South Pacific Island countries is continuing to grow, which could help Beijing upset the South Pacific region’s existing balance of power.