Kanaev Evgeniy

South Pacific in the Belt and Road Initiative: Security Aspects

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2020, №1(46), 288-302

 
Annotation: The article analyses the implementation of China’s mega-strategy the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the South Pacific. The key parameters shaping the security milieu of this subregion are outlined, China’s measures in the context of the BRI realization are revealed and systemized, the key BRI vulnerability factors in the South Pacific are distinguished. In the author’s view, stressing its significance as the non-traditional security provider to the South Pacific states, without timely and comprehensive measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemics as part of its BRI strategy China may become a hostage of this approach.

Keywords: South Pacific, PRC, Belt and Road Initiative, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island Countries, security, cooperation, COVID-19.