China's engagement in the Pacific Islands : implications for the United States / Ethan Meick, Michelle Ker, Han May Chan.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Meick, Ethan, author.

Ker, Michelle, author.

Chan, Han May, author.

Contributor:

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, issuing body.

Series:

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission staff research report

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

China--Relations--Pacific Area--21st century.

China.

Security, International--Pacific Area.

Security, International.

National security--United States.

National security.

International relations.

Pacific Area.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (34 pages) : color illustrations, color maps.

Place of Publication:

[Washington, DC] : U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, 2018.

Summary:

As Beijing steps up its global engagement under General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and President Xi Jinping, China is also increasing its involvement in the Pacific Islands region. Beijing's heightened engagement in the region in recent years is driven by its broader diplomatic and strategic interests, reducing Taiwan's international space, and gaining access to raw materials and natural resources. Although the Pacific Islands receive less of China's attention and resources compared to other areas of the world, Beijing includes the region in its key diplomatic and economic development policy--the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)--which suggests China has geostrategic interests in the region. An April 2018 news report on purported discussions over a potential Chinese military base on Vanuatu, though denied by both countries, raises concerns that a Chinese base could be established in the Pacific Islands. Such a development could pose challenges to U.S. defense interests and those of Australia and New Zealand, key U.S. partners in the region.

Contents:

Executive summary.

Introduction.

China's interests in the Pacific Islands. Promoting China's diplomatic and strategic priorities. Reducing Taiwan's international space. Gaining access to resources.

Chinese engagement in the Pacific Islands. Economic engagement. Diplomatic engagement. Security engagement.

Implications for the United States. Concerns over U.S. compact agreements and increased competition with China in the region. Concerns for U.S. defense interests. Increasing China's influence in regional and international organizations. China's diplomatic competition with Taiwan.

Appendices.

Notes:

"June 14, 2018."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 24-34).

Online resource; title from PDF cover page (USCC, viewed April 16, 2021).

OCLC:

1048613146