International relations and geopolitics have become increasingly complex in the last few decades, many countries in the Pacific pulled between China and the United States – the two superpowers at odds with each other.

But former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes the relationships with the two are equally important.

“The relationship with the US is obviously the bedrock of our security relationship,” he told Mike Hosking.

“Whereas the relationship with China is, you know, much more focused on economics and trade, but the two, these two superpowers are absolutely critical partners.”

China has been working to grow its influence in the Pacific, the area presenting several strategic opportunities for the nation – but is it a cause for concern?

“The reality is that China is a superpower,” Turnbull told Hosking.

“It is, you know, an economic peer equal or close to an equal of the United States, and they’re seeking to exert influence around the world and in our region.”

He says they want to maintain strong relationships with their Pacific Island neighbours, and one way they did that while he was Prime Minister was through the funding of the Coral Cable, which links Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

“We thought that was a better outcome from a security point of view,”

“But also, it was a better outcome for them because they weren’t in debt.”

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Malcolm Turnbull: Former Australian Prime Minister on relations with China and the US, Australian politics

The Mike Hosking Breakfast