The Pacific’s Bargains: How Small Islands Shape Great Power Competition

Island leaders partner with Beijing on loans and projects, but their short-term pragmatism could harden into long-term alignment.

A view of surfers at Natadola Beach in Viti Levu, Fiji, on Oct. 10, 2023. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Commentary

At first glance, the Pacific looks like a vast empty ocean dotted with small islands. But politically, that image is misleading. These “small” states command huge exclusive economic zones. They may have tiny populations, but they sit on enormous maritime real estate. That is leverage.