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Significance
Fiji returned to democracy in 2014 after being ruled by a military regime since 2006. Fiji's president, Frank Bainimarama, who was its military ruler, implemented a 'Look North' strategy to orient the island towards China. This was a response to Australia and New Zealand's attempts to end Fijian military control, but it heralds a re-ordering of Pacific Islands international fora that extends beyond Fiji's actions in this area.
Impacts
The Pacific Island countries will push hard for a climate change deal at COP21.
Indonesia will be able to contain possible challenges to its position in (West) Papua.
Development aid will be a key avenue to increasing Chinese influence in the region.
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2015
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