The Soft Balance And The Transformation Of Regional Order:A Study Of China’s Presence In The South Pacific Island Region

The South Pacific Island countries at one point in time are described as the ‘American lake’ and ‘Australia Backyard’,which shows how the two countries have influenced in the region.The main influencer in the region can best be described as the United States and its close allies,namely Australia,New-Zealand,the UK,France,Japan and Chinese Taiwan.However,with the rise of China,the relationship between China and South Pacific Island countries has improved significantly.In the past two decades,the two sides have promoted cooperation in various fields,especially under the banner of "the belt and road initiative".The development of close relations between China and South Pacific Island countries is not only conducive to China’s implementation of marine strategy and building a community of maritime destiny,but also conducive to South Pacific Island countries – to deal with their survival crisis,to improve their own national strength,and to enhance their voice in the international arena.The study further shows how China’s presence in the region and its influence has done through the practice of soft balancing that targeting what the South Pacific Island countries’ needy,including by building economic and diplomatic relations.China’s presence has also brought considerable impact on those traditionally influential actors,particularly to the United States and Australia as their influence is reducing.This in turn,has stimulated the revival of American interest in the region and put the original powers up on their toes.These developments have led many analysts to speculate new developments in the Pacific islands countries(PIC).The thesis discusses these developments in the South Pacific Island countries.