China–Oceania–South Pacific Passage: adding Antarctica

Chapter 6 reviews the China–Oceania–South Pacific passage cast within three island defence chains demarcated within the Pacific Ocean. China’s geologistics actions in constructing and militarizing islands in the South China Sea are explored, which have produced varying reactions from neighbouring countries and India, Japan and the United States. Then China’s investment projects in Oceania and the South Pacific, including Port Darwin, are examined. These have prompted Australia and its allies to reverse their declining support for the Pacific Islands and initiate their own geologistics policies. Finally, the intensification of China’s interests in Antarctica has delivered a more nuanced response from Australia.