China, India and Japan in the Pacific: Latest Developments, Motivations and Impact

Abstract

This paper will examine 3 questions 1) what are the latest engagements of China, Japan and India with the Pacific region? 2) What are their motives? 3) How have they impacted the region? The time frame of this research is between 2006 and 2017, a period that witnessed substantial engagement of the three countries with the region, but with these new developments being inadequately captured by the literature. The analysis covers all 14 Pacific Island countries (PICs). It builds upon the author’s 16 years work and research in the region and more than 120 interviews with government officials, diplomats, scholars, company representatives, media and civil societies during his doctoral research. The paper also refers to an extensive review of scholarly works and public government reports. Show more