In early February 2019, DPA sponsored a series of writers’ workshops, as well as a public symposium, where academics were able to present their work on the topic to the public.
Analysts and academics from universities and thinktanks from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and China have attended a workshop convened by the Department of Pacific Affairs at ANU.
China’s assertive presence in Oceania has provided alternative opportunities for Pacific Island governments, is welcomed with cautious optimism by observers, and has raised concerns, especially for the metropolitan powers that have long dominated the region.
Pacific Island governments now engage with China through diplomatic partnerships, trade, aid, investments, infrastructure developments, and commerce. Beijing has posed itself as an alternative power, which is changing the regional order.
