@article{ART003285166},
author={Lee Jaeyoung},
title={China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition},
journal={Asia Review},
issn={2234-0386},
year={2025},
volume={15},
number={3},
pages={171-211}
TY - JOUR
AU - Lee Jaeyoung
TI - China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition
JO - Asia Review
PY - 2025
VL - 15
IS - 3
PB - 아시아연구소
SP - 171
EP - 211
SN - 2234-0386
AB - This study investigates the intensifying competition between the United States and China for influence in Pacific Island countries within the broader context of their prolonged strategic rivalry. It analyzes China’ s diplomacy toward the Pacific Islands―an emerging source of concern in Washington―through the lens of Beijing’s revisionist grand strategy under Xi Jinping and assesses U.S. responses to these developments.
China’s revisionist orientation is exemplified by the 2025 deployment of a dual aircraft carrier formation in the Western Pacific and the 2022 signing of a security agreement with the Solomon Islands. Beyond these highprofile cases, China has pursued wedge strategies designed to weaken U.S.
alliances and expand its political, security, and economic foothold in the region. The article further examines how Pacific Island countries’ responses shape the dynamics of U.S.-China competition. In particular, climate change emerges as a central issue in the foreign policy agendas of Pacific Island states, constituting both an arena of external engagement and a source of bargaining leverage vis-à-vis major powers. Nevertheless, the study argues that domestic political and diplomatic shifts within Pacific Island countries, while consequential at the local level, exert only limited influence on the overarching trajectory of U.S.-China strategic competition. By situating the Pacific Islands within the framework of great-power rivalry, this article contributes to the debate on revisionist strategies, alliance politics, and the agency of small states in contemporary international relations.
KW - U.S.-China competition;Pacific Islands;Revisionist Grand Strategy;;Wedge Strategy;Taiwan Issue;Climate Change
DO -
UR -
ER -
Lee Jaeyoung. (2025). China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition. Asia Review, 15(3), 171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung. 2025, "China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition", Asia Review, vol.15, no.3 pp.171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung "China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition" Asia Review 15.3 pp.171-211 (2025) : 171.
Lee Jaeyoung. China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition. 2025; 15(3), 171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung. "China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition" Asia Review 15, no.3 (2025) : 171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung. China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition. Asia Review, 15(3), 171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung. China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition. Asia Review. 2025; 15(3) 171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung. China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition. 2025; 15(3), 171-211.
Lee Jaeyoung. "China’s Pacific Islands Strategy under Xi Jinping: Revisionist Grand Strategy and Wedge Tactics amid U.S.–China Strategic Competition" Asia Review 15, no.3 (2025) : 171-211.
