Australia Enhances Pacific Connectivity to Counter China’s Influence

Australia is intensifying efforts to curb China's influence in the Pacific by launching a new "cable connectivity and resilience centre." This initiative, announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong during the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Japan, aims to enhance connectivity for Pacific nations. The Australian government has allocated $18 million over the next four years to support this centre, which will provide technical assistance, training, and regulatory guidance for undersea cables. Wong emphasized that the centre represents a significant commitment from the Quad nations—comprising Australia, the United States, Japan, and India—to address pressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The centre will be staffed by Australian public servants dedicated to offering tailored advice and support to individual Pacific island governments, fostering stronger ties between regional governments and industry stakeholders. The establishment of this centre comes amid heightened concerns over China's growing presence in the Pacific. The Quad leaders have collectively recognized the need to prevent China from solidifying its foothold in the region, particularly through infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity. Undersea cables are crucial for linking island nations, with some connections extending to Australia, which is viewed as a strategic partner. This initiative aligns with the Albanese government's goal of restoring Australia as the "partner of choice" for Pacific nations. The announcement reflects a broader strategy by the US and Australia to strategically limit China's influence in the Pacific, particularly in areas critical for defense and regional stability.