In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Professor Rory Medcalf joins us to discuss China’s strategy in the Solomon Islands and the Southwest Pacific. Professor Medcalf explains that the Southwest Pacific, for much of its history, has not been a zone of major power competition and is important because it stands geographically between Australia and the rest of the Indo-Pacific and the US. The Solomon Islands is one of multiple locations in the region that China has expressed military interest in. He also argues that China’s objectives in the region could distort the interests and priorities of governments and societies and could change the region’s balance of power. Lastly, Professor Medcalf recommends that the Australian government and its partners build and maintain a new level of engagement (through both governance and civil society) in the region in order to provide alternatives to China’s influence.
Keyword:international security
What Are the Key Strengths of the China-Russia Relationship?
This ChinaPower feature explores how China and Russia came to be so close, up until the time of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This analysis centers on five key ways in which China benefits from the relationship.
Europe and China as Partners or Rivals?: A Conversation with Mikko Huotari
In this episode, Dr. Mikko Huotari joins us to discuss the evolving relationship between Europe and China. He highlights the multifaceted relationship between China and the European Union, noting that the EU has labeled China as both a strategic partner and a systemic rival. Dr. Huotari argues that while the coronavirus has been a driver of recent tensions in the Europe-China relationship, there has been a longer-term negative trend of worsening ties and a lack of progress on policy agendas between the EU and China. Dr. Huotari also evaluates the evolution of European sentiment towards China, security issues regarding China, and assesses the prospect for greater transatlantic cooperation between the United States and Europe on China policy.
Prospects for China’s Inclusion in Strategic Nuclear Talks: A Conversation with David Santoro
In this episode, Dr. David Santoro joins us to discuss the prospects for China joining a strategic nuclear dialogue, and what such a dialogue might achieve. Dr. Santoro maintains that China may be amenable to entering into bilateral talks with the US on strategic stability in the near term that could pave the way for trilateral nuclear talks with the US and Russia in the long run. He explains the challenges policymakers face in pulling China into an arms control agreement that aims at capping the number of Chinese nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Dr. Santoro also offers recommendations for how the US, China, and Russia can realistically make progress to narrow their differences on arms control going forward.
China’s Arctic Ambitions: A Conversation with Anne-Marie Brady
In this episode, Dr. Anne-Marie Brady joins us to discuss China’s growing influence in the Arctic region, where melting sea ice has uncovered a new theater of geopolitical competition. Dr. Brady breaks down China’s priorities in the region, including its economic, scientific, and security interests, and details its engagement with other Arctic states. She also offers recommendations for how countries can better understand—and therefore respond to—China’s Arctic ambitions.
Southeast Asia’s Shifting Security Views: A Conversation with Tang Siew Mun
In this episode, Dr. Tang Siew Mun joins us to discuss evolving Southeast Asian attitudes toward major powers in the region, especially China and the United States. He analyzes the results of a recent survey conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore titled “State of Southeast Asia: 2019.” Dr. Tang explains the impetus driving the shifts in regional views of relations with Beijing, engagements with projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, and uncertainty about US commitment to and staying power in the region.
Conflict and Compromise in China-India Relations: A Conversation with Jagannath Panda
In this episode, Dr. Jagannath Panda joins us to discuss China-India relations, including the significance of the April 2018 Wuhan Summit between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr. Panda explains how India has side-stepped conflict with China since the 2017 border standoff at Doklam, and analyzes how the economic component of the bilateral relationship has developed despite India’s opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and growing presence in the Indo-Pacific.
China’s Interests and Role in the SCO: A Conversation with Alexander Cooley
In this episode, Dr. Alexander Cooley joins us to discuss the history and focus of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as well as China’s evolving role in the organization. Touching upon the member states’ interests, Dr. Cooley analyzes the potential areas of cooperation and conflict between China and the rest of the SCO’s members, especially Russia.