China-Pacific Islands Economic Relations under the Belt and Road

Abstract

This research analyses China-Pacific islands economic relations in merchandise trade, investment and project contracting between 2006 and 2021. Nuances are revealed. The overall finding is that the Pacific is an insignificant partner of China in its global economic outreach, even under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This research also discusses the Chinese government’s perceptions of the Pacific markets and its advice to Chinese companies on thorny issues affecting the BRI.