Denghua Zhang
Biography
Publications
Dr Denghua Zhang is a research fellow at the Australian National University’s Department of Pacific Affairs. His research focuses on Chinese foreign aid, foreign policy and China–Pacific Islands relations. His article “China’s influence and local perceptions: the case of Pacific island countries” (free to download) won the Boyer prize as the best article of Australian Journal of International Affairs for 2022.
China’s message problem in PNG
Local doubts about mining projects appear at odds with government enthusiasm.
China’s influence as a Pacific donor
Beijing has taken steps to increase its influence in the island region at the same time as its aid levels decline.
The China factor in France’s growing engagement in the “peaceful sea”
A step-up by Paris in the Indo-Pacific is evidence that it aims for a pragmatic third path in the region.
Messages from China’s third white paper on foreign aid
What's changed, and what hasn’t?
China has Honiara onside but hasn’t yet won over Solomon Islands
Consternation about the diplomatic switch from Taiwan shows how local politics can have international ramifications.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, from the inside looking out
To understand the goals of China’s flagship program means also considering the perspective of state-owned enterprises.
Diplomatic switch? Solomon Islands relations with Taiwan or China
Honiara might break with Taipei after the April election, and may not be the last in a tug of war with Beijing.
China’s new aid agency
An independent agency to oversee China’s expanding aid program is a first step in the right direction.
