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1 [1] (July 26, 2018)

handle is hein.crs/crsmthzzbgx0001 and id is 1 raw text is: CRS INSIGHT Australia and New Zealand React to China's Growing Influence in the South Pacific July 26, 2018 (IN10938) Related Author * Buce Vaughn Bruce Vaughn, Specialist in Asian Affairs (bhaughnt.crs ic.go , 7-3144) Overview The July 24, 2018, Australia-United States Mi MIN) Joint Statement points to deepening engagement [between the United States and Australia] in the Indo-Pacific. Canberra and Wellington are increasingly responding to Chinese influence operations in the Pacific region, as demonstrated by a number of recent actions, including Australia's passage of new foreign interference legislation; announcement of an possible new Australia-Vanuatu security agreement; New Zealand's adoption of a new Strategic Defence Policy Statement; steps toward a new Pacific Islands Forum security agreement; and increased aid from Australia and New Zealand to Pacific island states. In addition, Australia is boosting its defense budget, both Australia and New Zealand are making new military procurements, and Australia, New Zealand, and the United States held an inaugural Pacific Security Cooperation Dialogue in June 2018 to discuss a wide range of security issues and identify areas to strengthen cooperation with Pacific Island countries on common regional challenges. A review of these developments may assist Congress as it exercises oversight of the Administration's Indo-Pacific strategy. Rising Concern over China's Influence , increasing its aid to the region, and reportedly attempting to develop a militar. resence in In responding to reports of China's efforts to establish a naval presence in Vanuatu, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated We would view with great concern the establishment of any foreign military bases in those Pacific island countries and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated that we take a strong position in the Pacific against militarization. Chinese aid to Pacific island states, as tracked by the Lowy Institute Mapping Foreign , increased significantly from 2006 to 2016, with cumulative aid commitments totaling $1.78 billion over that period. China also reportedly plans to hold a aummit ith Paific Ilan l r in Papua New Guinea in November 2018, ahead of the APEC Forum. Revelations regarding China's attempts to influence Australia's domestic politics, universities, and media, which are