Yes, China has made inroads in the Pacific, but Australia still does far more

Last year, China’s naval displays near Australia emphasized the importance of Australia’s relationships with Pacific neighbours, despite criticisms of neglect, highlighting Australia’s significant contributions to regional maritime security.

Last year, Australia was reminded of China’s willingness to exercise its growing naval power in the region. In February, a Chinese flotilla circumnavigated the country and conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea.

And in November, a powerful Chinese task group came within a few kilometres of Australia’s maritime territory.

These events also highlighted the continued importance of Australia’s relationship with its Pacific neighbours and their maritime security. In fact, several Pacific Island countries worked with Australia to monitor the Chinese task group as it passed their territories.

Australia has been accused of “neglect” and “stupor” when it comes to the Pacific. Some even claim Australia has “lost” the Pacific to China.

But these observations overlook the sophisticated ways the Pacific countries decide who they will partner with.

While there is always room for improvement, Australia does a lot more than China in the Pacific. This is demonstrated by five maps from a project we are conducting to examine Pacific maritime security cooperation.

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