Engaging China's New Foreign Policy

Abstract

There has been little change to China's declared foreign policy of 'non-involvement', but actions in recent times have spoken louder than words in many areas including the Pacific islands, in especial, the Melanesia, as a sub region. The discourse of "China Threat" overestimates the potential negative influence of China's expansion while it is widely considered that China should declare a more transparent military project. Australia should engage China's strategy in the Melanesia and promote for a wider cooperation. Although there is a possibility of accidental conflict with China when it has to defend its dramatically growing overseas interests and overseas citizens, Australia could establish a framework of cooperation in advance. An joint China-Australia-U.S. military cooperation is also acceptable.