China's South Pacific expansion and the changing regional order: a cause for concern to the regional status quo?

This paper examines China's expansion in the South Pacific to determine whether it constitutes a destabilising effect to the existing regional order over the next 10 years, both in terms of rivalling the traditional dominance of New Zealand and Australia, and in the context that Pacific Island nations are growing in political confidence and sophistication, and pursuing a strategy of greater regional accountability.

The paper cautions that China's expansion should not be overstated. Nor should the longstanding and continuing support being provided to the region by Australia and New Zealand be understated. The paper contends that China's actions should be seen primarily in the context of seeking to expand markets and securing access to vital resources, which are necessary to support its economic growth and develop diplomatic legitimacy as a global power. The paper concludes that China's expansion does not constitute a threat to regional security and, indeed, that New Zealand and Australia are ideally placed to support the increasing regionalism being demonstrated by Pacific Island nations.

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