Australia, China and the Pacific Region

China’s activities in the Pacific have been the subject of increased media attention in Australia. Its vast resources exercised through trade and investment has bought both good will and influence, and a recent agreement with the Solomon Islands on policing cooperation intensified concern among Australian security watchers about its strategic ambitions in the Pacific region. But while Australia is showing concern, is China benefitting the Pacific Islands, and exposing the gaps in Australia’s support? The Melbourne launch of Divided Isles: Solomon Islands and the China Switch by Edward Cavanough. Published by La Trobe University Press. Panel: Edward Cavanough (CEO, The McKell Institute) Dr Dan Hu (Research Fellow, Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies, University of Melbourne) Assoc Prof Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)