From deals on policing in Solomon Islands to building parliamentary complexes in Vanuatu, China’s outreach and activities in the Pacific Islands region appear indefatigable.

In the words of Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Canberra and its partners are locked in a "state of permanent contest" with Beijing over influence in the region.

Previously undervalued by larger powers, Pacific Islanders must now grapple with the realities of a region subjected to intense geopolitical competition.

Our panel analysed the rapidly evolving regional security environment and the implications for Australia and the wider Pacific Islands region.

The panel was moderated by Hervé Lemahieu, Director of Research at the Lowy Institute, with expert speakers including:
•    Richard McGregor, Senior Fellow for East Asia, Lowy Institute 
•    Oliver Nobetau, FDC Pacific Research Fellow, Lowy Institute
•    Dr Anna Powles, Associate Professor at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Massey University, New Zealand
•    Mihai Sora, Director of the Pacific Islands Program, Lowy Institute