The South Pacific has historically been a maritime expanse dominated by the influence of Western powers, including Australia. However, China is seeking to change the status quo through its economic and security diplomacy in the region causing concern for future of the rules-based order and its long-standing presence over climate change.
Relations between Beijing and Taipei have often experienced periods of friction ever since the victory of Mao Zedong’s Chinese communists in 1949. Now cross-strait ties have undergone crucial transformations under Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership, resulting in unprecedented diplomatic and military tensions along the Taiwan Strait.
Tuesday’s meeting on the sidelines of the G20 marks an important step in restoring bilateral relations ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next month.
On Sunday, Xi Jinping clinched a historic third term as the Communist Party’s leader, ending decades of political precedent in the world’s second largest economy.
The Geopolitical backdrop in East Asia is simmering between North Korea and Japan with Pyongyang intensifying its hard power military projection, leading Tokyo and its allies to enhance their deterrence.
China’s entry into the Indian Ocean region, through economic investments and political agency is dramatically changing regional dynamics. For decades, the United States has maintained a considerable presence across this vast body of water. The expansion of Beijing’s influence requires the powers in Washington to strengthen their military and economic instruments in the region.
France and Japan have long maintained close political and economic ties. Growing competition from China on the economic and security fronts, coupled with the increasing concern over the effects of climate change, requires France and Japan, two nations in the Indo-Pacific region and members of the G7, to leverage their cooperation to safeguard peace and stability of this maritime zone.
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