ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Australia and China’s different approaches to the Pacific and argues that sports diplomacy is central to creating influence, generating power, and winning the battle for hearts and minds. The analysis reveals that China prefers a classical approach, employing sport as part of a broader development strategy, whereas the Australians have adopted a more innovative strategy, encapsulated in their PacificAus Sports program. This chapter describes and reviews each country’s unique approach before pondering who is winning the Great Game and the implications of the result for the region. It concludes with guidance to consider the different cultures, histories, and philosophies of the 15 countries that make up the Pacific Islands.
