This paper argues that China’s rise, coupled with the established influence of the U.S in the South-West Pacific, could see the region become yet another proxy battlefield in the two antagonists’ power-plays.

China’s economic and technological emergence and the leadership’s reversion to a state-dominated economic strategy have been the focal point of much U.S. policy debate.

While much of the spotlight is on the impact of the BRI overseas, this paper takes a unique approach by discussing the start of an ambitious Pacific Island country (PIC) language-teaching program in China, and offering a brief case study of Samoan language teaching.

After a year of heated domestic debate on issues such as climate change, foreign influence and technology, the 2019 Lowy Institute Poll reveals significant changes in how Australians view our most important international partners and the world around us.

The outlines of a trade deal between the United States and China are there. But without a return to the negotiating table, the dispute could rapidly escalate, magnifying the damage to world growth.