China and the Evolving Regional Order in the South Pacific

The study of Chinese involvement in the South Pacific ¹ is part of the great debate on the rise of China. It, however, remains the weakest part of this debate. Compared with other parts of the world, Chinese involvement in the South Pacific is understudied. However, Chinese policy toward the South Pacific is an integral part of China's grand strategy. More importantly, it is a representative reflection of China's international policy at the global level. Compared with other parts of the world, for instance, Africa and Latin America, China's involvement in the South Pacific is as equally comprehensive in terms of its scope and substance. Beijing has to deal with issues of economic interests, political interests, Taiwan: relations with military regimes, relations with global and regional powers, the role of overseas Chinese, and the perceived “China threat” and strategic implications. These are all crucial challenges to the implementation of China's grand strategy. Given the relatively small number of countries and much smaller populations in the South Pacific, these issues can be examined more thoroughly, contributing to our understanding of China's global strategy and international policy.