15. A Tale of Two Approaches: Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Belt and Road Initiative

Australia and Papua New Guinea provide a story of striking contrasts in their response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Australian attitude has been one of wariness and concern, particularly in instances where agreements have been reached by state governments with Chinese institutions and arms of government. Ever aligned with the security interests of the United States, Australian policy in the field has been increasingly coloured by regional anxiety and keenness for more extensive US engagement. Its own status as a regional donor state and political actor is also being challenged. Papua New Guinea’s contrasting reaction has been one of enthusiastic endorsement and participation, tinged by qualification and guile. Its relationship with the Belt and Road Initiative defies traditional stereotypes about indebtedness associated with the programme, showing a potential third way for Pacific countries in approaching Beijing.