Opinion | Furore over Pacific nations’ China deals puts focus on security instead of climate change

Australia and New Zealand have been swept by consternation after it emerged that China was in discussions towards a potential Pacific-wide pact which could see it cooperate with 10 Pacific island states on issues such as policing, security and data communications. This revelation comes hot on the heels of China agreeing a bilateral security pact with the Solomon Islands.

While the policing aspect might naturally cause alarm, these agreements are complex and more reactive than being part of a grand strategy of establishing spheres of influence abroad. Importantly, there is no mention of military bases. Furthermore, these documents are drafts and remain open to negotiation. To this end, the region-wide agreement appears to have been shelved, although many of the states are continuing bilateral discussions with China.

China’s latest moves have confirmed what was already the default position for Australia – China’s rise is becoming a national security threat that requires a strong response in conjunction with the United States. One commentator, Fergus Hanson, wrote that Australia should team up with the United States and impose a Monroe Doctrine-style sphere of influence in the South Pacific.