Girt by China: Power play in the Pacific: Australian Foreign Affairs 17

What challenges does Australia face as the world's great powers battle for a foothold in the Pacific?

"A Chinese force in the South Pacific could isolate Australia in a future region-wide crisis or conflict, cutting access to its ally the United States - just as Japan sought to do in the Pacific War."-Rory Medcalf

The seventeenth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the growing rivalry and increasing tension in the Pacific as it becomes a stage for a great-power contest to gain influence and a strategic position in the region.
Girt by China looks at the challenges for Canberra as it seeks to strengthen ties with Pacific island countries and to counter moves by China to extend its reach into the waters off northern Australia.

Rory Medcalf analyses China's increasing presence in the Pacific and calls for Australia to coordinate an international effort to ensure the region is not dominated by Beijing.
David Kilcullen explores the military ambitions of China in the Pacific and the implications for neighbouring countries, including Australia.
Peter Connolly examines how China has built economic, political and security ties in Melanesia to pursue strategic goals in the Pacific.
Dorothy Wickham explains the political realities and domestic concerns of Solomon Islanders as their country finds itself in the middle of a geopolitical tussle.
Vafa Ghazavi outlines a plan for Australia to help put an end to global corruption.

PLUS Correspondence on AFA16- The Return of the West from Shiro Armstrong, John Quiggin, David Olsson and more.