Abstract

Melanesia is becoming a region of many partners, expanding diplomatic options and a new sense of independence. The wider context of the new Melanesian assertiveness is one in which C hina is a rising power and I ndonesia is forging closer links with the western P acific. The impetus to F iji's new assertiveness arose from the diplomatic isolation imposed upon it by A ustralia and N ew Z ealand after the 2006 military coup. Papua New Guinea's new confidence is founded upon its liquefied natural gas boom. Even S olomon I slands is expanding diplomatic connections. Regionally, the change can be seen in the M elanesian S pearhead G roup, which now counts I ndonesia among its members, and in F iji's push for its own vision of P acific regionalism. A ustralia and N ew Z ealand nevertheless remain the indispensable countries in the region. A ustralia's commitment to Melanesia remains constant but without the bold initiatives and interventionist enthusiasm of the early RAMSI years.