Yes, China has made inroads in the Pacific, but Australia still does far more

Last year, Australia was reminded of China s willingness to exercise its growing naval power in the region. In February, a Chinese flotilla circumnavigated the country and conducted live fire drills in the Tasman Sea. And in November, a powerful Chinese task group came within a few kilometres of Australia s maritime territory. These events also highlighted the continued importance of Australia s relationship with its Pacific neighbours and their maritime security. In fact, several Pacific