Island nations scattered across the Pacific Ocean are at the center of an intensifying competition between China and the U.S. for maritime routes, deep-water ports and other strategic assets in what the Lowy Institute calls a new ¡°Great Game.¡±
The countries¡¯ proximity to key shipping lanes and the communication cables that criss-cross the Pacific floor, together with fisheries and seabed minerals, also encourage the rivalry, Lowy said in a report on Wednesday. But it¡¯s the region¡¯s maritime location between Asia, North America and Australia that is set to keep it at the forefront of major powers¡¯ defense strategies.
¡°The Pacific¡¯s geopolitical landscape is increasingly crowded, with multiple powers vying for influence,¡± report authors Mihai Sora, Jessica Collins and Meg Keen said. ¡°China is expanding its reach through diplomatic relations, infrastructure projects and development finance, while traditional partners such as Australia and the U.S. strive to maintain their influence.¡±
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