Features of the PRC's Oceania Economic Infrastructure and Military Security Policy in 2019-2023 (Solomon Islands and Kiribati Case Study)

China's changing approach to international politics, moving from economic initiatives such as the Belt and Road to a more pronounced military presence, reinforces the importance of understanding its activities in the Pacific. The implications of China's increased military presence in the Pacific go beyond just the regional politics of Oceania itself. They affect the strategic interests of key stakeholders such as Japan and Australia, as well as altering the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole. Security considerations, closely intertwined with economic factors, play a crucial role in shaping the policies of both China and other regional players, particularly Australia and New Zealand. By examining the security dimensions, this study seeks to uncover the reactions of these key actors to China's expanding influence. Of particular interest is the impact on small states such as the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, as their security issues are inextricably linked to economic ones due to climate change. This holistic consideration enriches the analysis by providing a comprehensive understanding of the interplay of economic and security dynamics in the Pacific. Oceania's island states are viewed by regional actors, including Australia and New Zealand, as a kind of security zone against possible attack. The US dominates in terms of exercising territorial control over the whole of Micronesia. Conversely, the administration of Melanesia is under the greater control of Australia. Thus, Canberra, Washington and Wellington perceive Beijing's expanding influence in the vast maritime areas of the South Pacific as a challenge to the status quo. Thus, this study contributes to the study of the Oceania region by offering a comprehensive analysis of China's security economic interactions with Oceania states. By carefully examining the selected case studies, the study aims to provide an understanding of the changing geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region and the complex interplay between economic cooperation, security considerations, and diplomatic shifts. Such an understanding is critical to anticipating future foreign policy developments in the region.