Last year, Australia was reminded of China’s willingness to exercise its growing naval power in the region. In February, a Chinese flotilla circumnavigated the country and conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea.
And in November, a powerful Chinese task group came within a few kilometers of Australia’s maritime territory.These events also highlighted the continued importance of Australia’s relationship with its Pacific neighbors and their maritime security. In fact, several Pacific Island countries worked with Australia to monitor the Chinese task group as it passed their territories.
Australia has been accused of “neglect” and “stupor” when it comes to the Pacific. Some even claim Australia has “lost” the Pacific to China. But these observations overlook the sophisticated ways the Pacific countries decide who they will partner with.