China's growing engagement in the Pacific Islands has fueled talk of great-power competition in the region.  But viewing China's activities in the region in geo-strategic terms is inappropriate and potentially counter-productive.  Australia and the United States should focus on cooperating with China in aid and investment activities that support Pacific Island development priorities rather than building new security arrangements designed to compete with or manage China.

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In an opinion piece in The Australian, Jenny Hayward-Jones writes that when Prime Minister Gillard visits Papua New Guinea, she could be an effective advocate for PNG's women, who endure staggering levels of domestic violence.